ICE prepares to implement body cameras

UNITED STATES – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the implementation of a pilot program in select cities for agents to wear body cameras during planned operations.

“With its body camera pilot program, ICE is making an important statement that transparency and accountability are essential components of our ability to fulfill our law enforcement mission and keep communities safe,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas.

The deployment of the body cameras will be phased in across the United States, beginning with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents and later with Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) elements. 

The locations for HSI implementation of the program are Houston, Texas; New York, New York; and Newark, New Jersey.

The HSI phase of the pilot will be conducted with members of the Special Response Teams (SRTs) operating as a federal Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) element for the bureau’s area of responsibility.

“The body camera pilot is an effort to increase transparency between ICE and the communities we serve, enhance officer safety, and fulfill our commitment to accountability,” said ICE Acting Director Tae D. Johnson. 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that ICE personnel participating in the pilot program received training on the proper use of the devices, legal considerations and privacy safeguards, civil rights, as well as training on uploading, storing, retaining and tagging data.

The body camera will be mounted on an officer’s or agent’s outer clothing (e.g., vest, shirt, or helmet), with the intent to enhance ICE operations, including stops and frisks, execution of warrants, and interrogation of individuals.

The body cameras are expected to increase the unit’s transparency in communities, as the images can be used to assess police conduct, including in cases where force has been used.