...
By Adeola Adeosun and Gabe Whisnant
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Monday that all federal immigration enforcement officers will be equipped with body-worn cameras, marking a significant policy shift for the agency. The immediate deployment will begin in Minneapolis, with plans to expand the program nationwide as funding becomes available.
Noem announced in a post on X, stating that DHS will move quickly to acquire and distribute body cameras across its law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Newsweek reached out to DHS via email on Monday for additional comment.
Read More on News
Why It Matters
The announcement comes as Minneapolis has faced heightened scrutiny over the conduct of immigration enforcement operations, prompting renewed calls from critics and civil rights advocates for increased transparency and accountability within DHS.
Those critics have long argued that requiring body‑worn cameras could provide clearer documentation of encounters between officers and the public. The policy changes also come as the country reels from the fatal shootings of 37-year-old Alex Jeffrey Pretti and Renee Nicole Good by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
The deaths have intensified bipartisan calls for transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement operations, with Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer calling it "a moment of truth."
What To Know
Minneapolis has faced heightened scrutiny over the conduct of immigration enforcement operations in recent weeks. The fatal shootings of U.S. citizens prompted senators from both parties to demand a full investigation and sparked rare bipartisan talks between President Donald Trump and Schumer about curbing ICE's enforcement activities.
Democrats and the White House struck a deal late Thursday to temporarily fund DHS for two weeks while they debate Democratic demands for restrictions on ICE. The agreement would separate homeland security funding from a larger spending bill to allow time for negotiations before the midnight Friday deadline. However, passage was delayed as leaders scrambled to win enough support, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune reporting "snags on both sides."
The policy shift follows changes in federal guidance. In 2022, then-President Joe Biden directed federal law enforcement agencies to adopt body-camera use as part of broader policing reforms. Trump rescinded that directive after beginning his second term in January 2025, leaving camera policies to individual agencies until Monday's announcement.
Democrats have laid out several demands beyond body cameras, asking the White House to "end roving patrols" in cities and coordinate with local law enforcement on immigration arrests, including requiring tighter rules for warrants. They also want an enforceable code of conduct so agents are held accountable when they violate rules, with Schumer stating agents should be required to have "masks off, body cameras on" and carry proper identification.
Tom Homan, the president's border czar, stated during a Thursday press conference in Minneapolis that federal immigration officials are developing a plan to reduce the number of agents in Minnesota, though this would depend on cooperation from state authorities.
The standoff has threatened to plunge the country into another shutdown, just months after a 43-day government closure over expiring federal health care subsidies. Democrats are more unified this time following the fatal shootings, with Democratic Senator Tina Smith of Minnesota saying, "There has to be accountability."
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday, on body cams: "They generally tend to be good for law enforcement because people can't lie about what's happening. So, it's generally speaking 80% good for law enforcement. If she wants to do that, I'm ok with it."
Secretary Kristi Noem on X: "I just spoke with @RealTomHoman @ICEDirector @CBPCommissioner. Effective immediately we are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis. As funding is available, the body camera program will be expanded nationwide. We will rapidly acquire and deploy body cameras to DHS law enforcement across the country. The most transparent administration in American history—thank you @POTUS Trump. Make America Safe Again"
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer: "The American people support law enforcement. They support border security. They do not support ICE terrorizing our streets and killing American citizens."
Minnesota Democratic Senator Tina Smith: "Boil it all down, what we are talking about is that these lawless ICE agents should be following the same rules that your local police department does."
...
What Happens Next
The body camera program will begin immediate deployment in Minneapolis, with expansion to other cities dependent on available funding.
Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
Update 2/2/26, 5:49 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines