ICE Rejects GAO Recommendation for Automatic Body Cameras

The GAO on Oct. 14, 2026 recommended ICE use automatic body-camera activation when weapons are drawn or emergency lights activate, technology CBP already employs. DHS rejected that recommendation while accepting the report's six others. The report covered February 2025 to September 2026 and was requested by Democratic members of Congress. Officers at six of 10 locations said they were unsure when to activate cameras, with some calling use up to interpretation; one ICE office had not started using them after training due to confusion. DHS said ICE has acquired cameras for all officers and agents nationwide, training remains ongoing and is expected soon, and all offices had received them as of Aug. 5 after Congress provided $20 million. GAO said automatic activation would provide greater assurance for transparency, accountability and public trust, especially in unexpected use-of-force incidents, and that DHS did not adequately explain why it could not work or identify other safeguards. DHS cited risks of unauthorized recording of sensitive interactions with informants or victims. Tom Homan said he is a big proponent of body cams, always has been, and agents should use them whenever possible.