The Department of Homeland Security says some Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Texas will start wearing body cameras during their work. A total of 55 agents in Houston, New York and Newark, NJ will wear cameras as part of a pilot project.
"With its body worn camera pilot, ICE is making an important statement that transparency and accountability are essential components of our ability to fulfill our law enforcement mission and keep communities safe. The Department will continue to seek ways to ensure the safety and security of our workforce, our state and local partners, and the public, while at the same time building confidence with the communities we serve," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas wrote in a statement.
Homeland Security says the cameras will be worn by special agents working in Homeland Security Investigations. Those agents focus on drug and human trafficking as well as fraud. The cameras will be used during enforcement actions and questioning.
The agency says cameras will be mounted on the officer's vest, shirt or helmet. Video could be used in investigations, training and officer performance evaluations.
The department says it will evaluate the cost and effectiveness of the cameras. Homeland Security says it is negotiating with the union representing enforcement and removal officers to expand the use of cameras.
"ICE looks forward to expanding the body worn camera pilot to [enforcement and removal operations] in the near future," Homeland Security wrote in a statement. "The timing of the ERO pilot is dependent on the conclusion of negotiations with the ERO union."
Homeland Security says officers participating in the pilot program have been trained in the proper use of the cameras and the legal, privacy and civil rights safeguards in place.
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