ICE Resumes Traffic Stops with New Body Camera Requirement

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers can resume traffic stops under new guidance issued on July 16, 2026. The directive requires that at least one officer involved in the stop must be wearing a body camera. Officers without access to body cameras are not authorized to conduct traffic stops. The rollout of body cameras began in major cities but has not yet reached all ICE field offices. The policy is expected to limit traffic stops until the rollout is completed, which is anticipated to take about two months. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that ensuring all ICE law enforcement officers have body cameras is a top priority, citing a significant increase in assaults against officers. The spokesperson also noted that the process of deploying body cameras was interrupted by government shutdowns. More than half of the field offices have received body cameras, with the remaining offices expected to receive them in less than 60 days. This guidance reflects a change in operational policy for ICE as it resumes traffic stops under the current administration.