Homeland Security Deploys Body‑Worn Cameras to All Minneapolis Immigration Officers
Updated (2 articles)
Immediate Issuance of Body Cameras in Minneapolis Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced that, effective immediately, every on‑ground DHS officer—including ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents—will receive a body‑worn camera in Minneapolis [1][2]. The order was posted on her social‑media account and framed as a rapid response to recent incidents [2]. Noem emphasized that the deployment will begin “right away” and that the equipment will be distributed without delay [1].
Funding Mechanism and Planned Nationwide Expansion The Senate has approved a bipartisan package allocating $20 million for body‑camera purchases, but the House has not yet passed the measure, creating uncertainty about a full DHS funding renewal [1]. Noem indicated that once additional funds are secured, the program will expand to other jurisdictions across the country [1][2]. The rollout therefore hinges on congressional action to avoid a partial shutdown of DHS operations [1].
Catalyst: Fatal Federal Shootings and Video Controversy The policy follows the late‑January killings of ICU nurse Alex Pretti and mother of three Renee Good by federal officers in Minneapolis, which intensified scrutiny of immigration enforcement [1][2]. Video released from the Pretti scene shows him holding only a phone, contradicting earlier claims that he was armed [1]. Although at least four CBP officers had cameras during the Pretti shooting, the footage remains sealed, and DHS has not disclosed whether ICE agents were equipped with cameras in Good’s case [1].
Political Reactions and Oversight Context The White House press secretary said the decision rests with Noem, and President Trump publicly deferred to her while expressing support for the cameras [2]. Senate Democrats and the Trump administration negotiated a two‑week DHS funding extension that cleared the Senate, while Republican Senator Ron Johnson backed cameras but opposed Democratic proposals for mandatory judicial warrants in immigration cases [2]. These dynamics illustrate bipartisan but contested views on transparency and oversight in immigration enforcement [2].
Sources
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1.
AP: Homeland Security to Equip Minneapolis Immigration Officers with Body‑Worn Cameras – Details Noem’s immediate camera rollout, Senate‑approved $20 million funding, and the backdrop of the Pretti and Good shootings, noting sealed footage and funding uncertainties .
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2.
CNN: DHS officers in Minneapolis to receive body cameras, says Noem – Highlights the same immediate deployment, previous use of personal devices for recording, the internal CBP investigation of the Pretti shooting, and political context including White House deference and bipartisan funding talks .
Timeline
Late Jan 2026 – ICU nurse Alex Pretti and mother of three Renee Good are shot dead by DHS officers in Minneapolis, sparking city‑wide protests and prompting a federal review of immigration enforcement tactics. [1][2]
Late Jan 2026 – DHS investigators begin examining more than 30 body‑camera recordings from the day of the Pretti shooting to reconstruct the moments before his death. [1]
Early Feb 2026 – The Senate passes a bipartisan $20 million package earmarked for body‑camera purchases for DHS officers, but the House has not yet acted, leaving the funding uncertain. [2]
Early Feb 2026 – Senate Democrats and the Trump administration broker a two‑week temporary DHS funding extension, clearing the Senate and averting an immediate shutdown. [1]
Feb 2, 2026 – Secretary Kristi Noem orders “effective immediately we are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis,” mandating cameras for all on‑ground DHS personnel in the city. [1][2]
Feb 2, 2026 – White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says “conversations are ongoing,” and President Trump adds he “leaves it to her,” signaling executive support for the camera rollout. [1]
Feb 2, 2026 – Noem pledges a nationwide rollout of body‑worn cameras for DHS officers as soon as funding becomes available, promising rapid acquisition and deployment. [2]
Feb 2, 2026 – A CBP internal investigation confirms that only the two officers who fired on Pretti discharged weapons, and released video shows Pretti holding only a phone, contradicting earlier claims he was armed. [2]
Feb 2, 2026 and onward – With the House still pending on the camera‑funding bill, the expansion of body‑camera deployment remains contingent on congressional approval, risking a partial DHS shutdown if the measure stalls. [1][2]