Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

U.S. DHS Deploys Body Cameras to Every Federal Agent in Minneapolis


(MENAFN) Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem ordered the immediate rollout of body-worn cameras for all federal law enforcement personnel stationed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following weeks of escalating public outcry over deadly immigration enforcement incidents.

"Effective immediately, we are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis," Noem declared via the social media platform X on Monday.

The directive follows high-level discussions between Noem, Border Czar Tom Homan, acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons, and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Rodney Scott.

"As funding is available, the body camera program will be expanded nationwide," Noem announced, adding: "We will rapidly acquire and deploy body cameras to DHS law enforcement across the country."

The policy shift arrives as demonstrations against ICE operations and federal immigration agent-involved shootings have intensified throughout Minnesota for over a month. Tensions reached critical levels following two fatal encounters: the shooting death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old intensive care nurse, by immigration officers last month, and the January 7 killing of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old mother of three children.

The Pretti incident particularly inflamed relations between federal authorities and local officials, with state and municipal leaders demanding independent oversight and expressing concerns about federal agencies' willingness to cooperate with investigations.

President Donald Trump distanced himself from the camera deployment decision when questioned by reporters at the White House.

"I leave it to her," Trump stated, referencing Noem.

The president characterized body cameras as beneficial for law enforcement personnel. "If she wants to do the camera thing, that's okay with me," Trump said, adding that the devices "tend to be good" because "people can't lie about what's happening."

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