Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem declared on Monday that every federal immigration officer operating in Minneapolis must now wear body cameras, a step taken amid growing backlash over two recent deadly shootings involving agents in the area.
Noem shared the news via a social media update, explaining that she had coordinated with leaders from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection to implement the change right away. She also mentioned plans to roll out the initiative across the nation once more resources are secured, emphasizing a swift push to equip DHS law enforcement personnel everywhere.
President Trump voiced his approval for the measure, noting that such devices often benefit officers by providing clear records that prevent false narratives about incidents.
This comes as the department has stationed around 3,000 agents in the Minneapolis region as part of an extended effort to address illegal immigration and a local fraud issue. However, the operation has drawn sharp criticism from both sides of the aisle, especially after Customs and Border Protection agents shot and killed Alex Pretti last month, following an earlier incident where an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Good. White House border official Tom Homan, sent to oversee matters after Pretti’s death, recently indicated preparations for reducing the presence of forces, though no firm schedule has been set.
Body cameras aren’t entirely new for federal agents; some are already in use during specific duties. For instance, footage from several agents was captured during the Pretti shooting and mentioned in an initial congressional report from CBP’s accountability office.
A similar requirement was imposed by a federal judge last year for agents in Chicago during a comparable immigration push, with the judge reinforcing that compliance was mandatory.
Senate Democrats are advocating for legislation that would make body cameras obligatory for all immigration enforcers, among other changes they’re demanding in return for approving DHS funding through the fiscal year. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer framed it as a straightforward “masks off, body cameras on” approach. An earlier funding proposal allocated $20 million for ICE and CBP to buy these cameras, but after the Pretti incident, Democrats have vowed not to support any bill lacking substantial overhauls. The Senate recently passed a two-week extension for DHS funding to allow more negotiation time, with the House set to consider it soon.
Back in 2022, former President Joe Biden issued an order paving the way for body camera requirements in suitable situations as part of wider federal policing reforms, but Trump revoked it soon after taking office again last year.
Quick Summary
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has ordered immediate body camera use for all immigration agents in Minneapolis, with nationwide expansion planned, following criticism over fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Trump endorses the policy amid ongoing crackdown and funding debates, as Democrats push for mandatory reforms.