ICE body-camera policy lets agency withhold footage indefinitely

Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to equip field officers nationwide with body-worn cameras by the end of September, but its policy gives the agency broad power to keep footage from the public. Under the February 2025 policy, officers must activate cameras during arrests, search warrants and emergencies. After shootings or other incidents causing death or serious injury, a review committee of senior officials and lawyers will decide whether video should be released. If approved, footage could come out within 72 hours. But the ICE director can block or delay release indefinitely if the agency finds "specific and compelling circumstances," a standard the policy does not define. The rollout follows recent fatal shootings during the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, increasing pressure for public accountability.