**Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Announces Nationwide Deployment of Body Cameras for DHS Officers**
WASHINGTON — U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Monday, February 2, that her department is deploying body cameras to every field officer in Minneapolis. She also stated that the body camera program would be expanded nationwide as funding becomes available.
“Effective immediately, we are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis. As funding is available, the body camera program will be expanded nationwide,” Noem said in a post on X.
This announcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of the immigration enforcement policies of President Donald Trump’s administration. The concern intensified after two U.S. citizens were killed last month in Minnesota by agents from the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security. These tragic incidents have sparked protests across the country.
Human rights advocates have widely criticized the administration’s immigration policies, arguing they lack due process and create a hostile environment for immigrant communities. Meanwhile, President Trump has defended his actions as necessary steps to improve domestic security.
Commenting on Noem’s announcement, Trump told reporters that body cameras “generally tend to be good for law enforcement, because people can’t lie about what’s happening.” He added, “So it’s, generally speaking, I think 80% good for law enforcement. But if she wants to do that, I’m OK with it,” noting that the decision was made by Noem and not by him.
Noem’s statement followed a call with key officials, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan—who has been tasked with overseeing operations in Minnesota—and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons.
Looking ahead, Noem said the Trump administration will “rapidly acquire and deploy body cameras to DHS law enforcement across the country,” signaling a significant step toward increased transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement.
https://www.pineandlakes.com/news/national/secretary-noem-says-body-cameras-are-being-deployed-to-field-officers-in-minneapolis