ICE policy under Trump prohibits automatic release of body camera footage

Published August 7, 2026 1:06pm ET | Updated August 7, 2026 1:06pm ET



Federal agency Immigration and Customs Enforcement is close to outfitting agents and officers nationwide with body-worn cameras, but the footage recorded on devices may never make it to the public.

Internal ICE policy that was put forth weeks after President Donald Trump took office in early 2025 states that ICE has the final say in whether footage of officer-involved incidents will be publicly released, according to a copy of the document reviewed by the Washington Examiner.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.