ICE Will Only Release Body Camera Video When in Agency's 'Best Interests,' Policy Says

ICE is moving to equip all field officers with body cameras by the end of September 2026 — more than half have already received devices, and the agency spent $30.9 million in July on equipment from Axon. But the agency's policy, reported by the Associated Press, allows ICE to withhold footage of shootings and other serious incidents unless leadership determines release is "in the best interests of the agency." Released footage must be provided within 72 hours, though the director can delay releases indefinitely by citing "specific and compelling circumstances," and officers' identifying features will be redacted. Katherine Hawkins of the Project On Government Oversight called the release policy "virtually useless" for accountability.