In Other News · United States

Source: Axios

ICE is rejecting a Government Accountability Office recommendation for technology that automatically activates body cameras when weapons are drawn and safeguards to ensure agents record arrests, searches and detentions when required.Why it matters: The GAO warns that ICE risks losing crucial evidence on what happened during incidents involving force amid growing distrust over agent accountability in the wake of multiple fatal ICE shootings.The big picture: The GAO report found both CBP and ICE are struggling to manage their body-camera programs amid shifting deployment plans.CBP and ICE haven't updated their camera plans since 2022 and 2024, respectively. The plans fail to account for funding changes, expanded deployment needs and pauses in camera rollouts following one of Trump's executive orders that rescinded a Biden-era federal body-camera mandate.ICE's camera activation dispute is the central flashpoint in the GAO review, as DHS accepted all six other recommendations. CBP uses technology that automatically activates body cameras when officers draw firearms or turn on emergency lights, but ICE doesn't.Zoom in: At six of the 10 locations GAO reviewed, CBP and ICE personnel said they were unsure when they had to turn on their cameras.Some said camera use is "not mandated," "up to interpretation," and "has gray...