USCIS buys body cameras as it prepares new agents with immigration arrest powers

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has bought body cameras as it moves beyond its traditional role of processing citizenship, Green Card and other immigration applications.

Federal contracting records cited by Newsweek show that USCIS awarded Axon a $159,675 contract covering body cameras, related equipment, storage and training. The order was issued on Sept. 1 and runs through Aug. 31, 2027.

USCIS confirmed the purchase but did not say how many cameras it acquired, which officials would wear them or what operations would deploy them. “Body-worn cameras support these objectives in certain settings,” agency spokesman Zach Kahler told Newsweek, referring to security, transparency and accountability. He said the agency would not disclose equipment assignments, operating procedures, technical configurations or future purchasing plans for security reasons.

The purchase comes as USCIS expands its investigative functions. In September 2025, the agency announced a special-agent corps with authority to make arrests, carry firearms and execute arrest and search warrants. USCIS said those agents would investigate immigration fraud, national security threats and other potential violations of immigration law.

The agency has also expanded its Homeland Defenders program. More than 700 people have joined the initiative and receive training in immigration law, national security, fraud detection and internal procedures, according to agency data cited by Newsweek. USCIS said Homeland Defenders do not carry weapons and have different duties from the new special agents.

The shift also follows the restoration of a policy allowing neighborhood investigations during certain naturalization processes. Under guidelines issued Aug. 25, officials may seek information outside government databases when assessing whether applicants meet the requirements for U.S. citizenship. It remains unclear whether body cameras will be used during those investigations.

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Body-worn cameras support these objectives in certain settings.