The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is set to deploy body cameras for all Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel across the United States within the next 60 days. This initiative follows recent incidents involving ICE officers that resulted in fatalities, prompting calls from lawmakers, including Senator Susan Collins, for the immediate implementation of body cameras. Approximately half of ICE's field offices will receive the cameras during this time, while the other half already have them in use. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the deployment plan on Thursday.
Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had previously committed to rolling out body cameras for ICE officers following the deaths of U.S. citizens in Minnesota. The current rollout is being executed under Secretary Markwayne Mullin's leadership. Tom Homan, the White House border czar, mentioned that initial purchases of body cameras were made, but additional funding was needed to equip all officers.
DHS attributed delays in the rollout to funding issues caused by government shutdowns. The department emphasized that providing body cameras is a priority, especially in light of increasing violence against ICE personnel. In January, DHS reported significant rises in assaults and vehicular attacks against immigration officers, which they linked to the rhetoric surrounding sanctuary cities.
In response to the recent shootings involving ICE officers, the agency temporarily halted vehicle stops. However, after President Donald Trump urged the resumption of these stops, the White House confirmed that traffic stops would continue, with at least one officer required to wear a body camera during such operations.