**Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Announces Nationwide Deployment of Body Cameras for Field 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 and plans to expand the program 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 statement posted on X.
This announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of immigration enforcement policies under President Donald Trump’s administration, following the recent killing of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota by agents of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security.
The tragic incidents have sparked nationwide protests and drawn widespread condemnation from human rights advocates. Critics argue that Trump’s immigration policies lack due process and create a hostile environment for immigrant communities. Meanwhile, President Trump has maintained that his actions are focused on improving domestic security.
Regarding Noem’s body camera initiative, President Trump commented to reporters, stating, “Body cameras generally tend to be good for law enforcement because people can’t lie about what’s happening. So it’s, generally speaking, I think 80% good for law enforcement. But if she wants to do that, I’m OK with it.” He also clarified that the decision was made by Noem and not by him.
Noem’s announcement followed a call earlier Monday with key officials, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney Scott, Trump’s Border Czar Tom Homan—who has been assigned to oversee operations in Minnesota—and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons.
Moving forward, Noem affirmed that 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.duluthnewstribune.com/news/national/secretary-noem-says-body-cameras-are-being-deployed-to-field-officers-in-minneapolis