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ICE will release body camera video only when seen in the agency’s ‘best interests,’ policy says
Compiled Aug 7
What happened
ICE says all field officers nationwide will have body-worn cameras by the end of September
The detail
ICE's policy allows the agency to withhold or delay release of footage if it is not deemed in the agency's 'best interests'
The detail
Recordings that are released must have officers' faces, names and badge numbers redacted for privacy
The detail
ICE spent $30.9 million in July to buy body camera equipment from Axon
How it unfolded
2021: ICE began testing body cameras under President Biden's administration · about three years after 2021: ICE distributed 1,400 body camera devices · early 2025 after Trump returned to office: Trump rescinded a Biden order requiring federal law enforcement agencies to use body cameras · February 2025: ICE issued its body-worn camera policy · April 30: Congress passed a funding bill giving ICE $20 million for body cameras · July: ICE purchased $30.9 million in body camera equipment from Axon, one day after a fatal Maine shooting · by end of September: ICE says all field officers nationwide will have body-worn cameras
By the numbers
$30.9 million Axon purchase · $20 million Congressional funding · 800 Cameras sent to Houston · 1,400 Devices distributed in 2024 · 72 hours Release window
Still unresolved
ICE did not respond to AP's question about how it decides what 'specific and compelling circumstances' justify withholding video