U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel in five cities have started wearing body cameras to document their actions.
According to ICE Director Patrick J. Lechleitner’s statement on Wednesday, the agency has deployed a total of 1,600 body-worn cameras. These cameras are being used by two divisions of ICE, namely Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations.
ICE has implemented a new policy that requires agents who engage with migrants to wear cameras on their uniforms. This initiative will be enforced in cities including Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Buffalo, N.Y., and Detroit.
According to Lechleitner, transparency plays a crucial role in maintaining public trust. He emphasized that the effectiveness of their mission relies heavily on the trust that the public has in them.
“The deployment of body-worn cameras to our officers and agents plays a crucial role in enhancing public trust by promoting transparency and accountability. This initiative is a vital component of our commitment to ensuring public safety and national security.”
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas issued guidance in May of last year, stating that law enforcement officers and agents within the department must wear body cameras during certain interactions with the public. These situations include responding to emergency calls, carrying out planned arrests, and executing search warrants.
ICE launched its initial body-worn camera program in December 2021. The program was specifically designed for investigative units focusing on transnational crime.
