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Report that U.S. Border Patrol is testing body-worn cameras at nine of its locations

  1. Original Date Announced

    May 1, 2018

    Press reports that U.S. Customs and Border Protection begins testing body-worn cameras by its law-enforcement personnel at nine locations, potentially leading to a broad rollout by the nation's largest law enforcement agency that would make it the first federal agency to use the devices on a large scale. [ID #322]

    US News- US Border Agency Tests Body-Cam Use by Agents in 9 Locations
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  3. Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained

    August 4, 2021

    CBP Agents and Officers Begin Use of Body-Worn Cameras

    This Biden administration policy continues the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.

    On August 4, 2021, CBP issued a media release announcing that it had begun outfitting some agents and officers with body-worn cameras. This targeted deployment of body-worn cameras is reportedly "a first step toward broader implementation." CBP plans to deploy around 6,000 cameras by the end of 2021.

    Go to article on cbp.gov
  4. Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained

    August 6, 2021

    2021.08.06 CBP DIRECTIVE 4320-030B - Incident-Driven Video Recording System

    This Biden administration policy expands upon the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.

    On August 6, 2021, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) established the responsibilities and procedures for using Incident-Driven Video Recording Systems (IDVRS), including vehicle, non-integrated vessel, and body-worn camera systems by CBP personnel. CBP authorized the use of IDVRS to collect audio and video recordings of interactions between CBP Officers, Border Patrol Agents, or Air and Marine Agents and the public.

    CBP body-worn camera footage releases are collected at: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/accountability-and-transparency/body-worn-camera-video-releases

    View Document
  5. Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained

    May 23, 2023

    2023.05.23 DHS Announces First Department-Wide Policy on Body-Worn Cameras

    This Biden administration policy expands upon the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.

    On May 23, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security announced the first Department-wide policy on Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) for its law enforcement officers and agents. The Department’s plan includes a phased implementation of BWCs while working with Congress to secure necessary funding to equip officers and agents nationwide with BWCs. Within 180 days, DHS components will draft and issue, or update, their individual BWC policies to meet or exceed the Department-wide policy's requirements.

    View Document
  6. Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained

    January 12, 2024

    2024.01.12 ICE announces updated policy for body-worn cameras

    This Biden administration policy expands upon the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.

    On January 12, 2024, ICE announced updated guidance for its law-enforcement personnel, providing standards for the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs). The policy calls for using BWCs in all aspects of ICE enforcement activities conducted by ICE personnel. ICE is working to secure the resources required to ensure full implementation, building on a 2021 pilot announcement: https://www.ice.gov/doclib/foia/dro_policy_memos/19010.1_AuthorizingBodyWornCameraPilot_20211006.pdf.

    View Document
  7. Biden Administration Action: Approved/Retained

    March 13, 2024

    2024.03.13 ICE announces initial deployment of body-worn cameras

    This Biden administration policy expands upon the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.

    On March 13, 2024, ICE announced the initial deployment of 1,600 body-worn cameras to its two law enforcement components, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). The deployment is consistent with DHS's Body Worn Camera Policy. During the first phase of implementation, ICE will distribute body-worn cameras and provide specific training to ERO and HSI personnel in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, Buffalo, and Detroit.

    Go to article on ice.gov

Current Status

Fully in Effect

Most Recent Action

March 13, 2024 Action: Approved/Retained 2024.03.13 ICE announces initial deployment of body-worn cameras
August 4, 2021
Acted on by Biden Administration
August 6, 2021
Acted on by Biden Administration
May 23, 2023
Acted on by Biden Administration
January 12, 2024
Acted on by Biden Administration
March 13, 2024
Acted on by Biden Administration

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Reported
Trump Administration Action: Change in Practice
Subject Matter: Border Enforcement
Agencies Affected: CBP

Pre Trump-Era Policies

  • August 1, 2015

    Customs and Border Protection previously concluded in 2015 after a yearlong study that body cameras were not yet suitable for widespread use due to cost, technological challenges, and the need for labor union approval. However, it said the cameras had potential in limited circumstances.

    Body-Worn Camera Feasibility Study

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