Call for Body Cameras in Chicago Immigration Operations

Sat Oct 25 2025 10:35:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

During a congressional hearing, officials discussed the need for more funding to expand body camera use among federal immigration officers in the Chicago area, amidst rising concerns about confrontational tactics used by agents.

A recent congressional hearing revealed that while some federal immigration officers in Chicago are equipped with body cameras, additional funding from Congress is necessary to expand their use. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability among agents engaged in immigration enforcement. The hearing followed escalating tensions and complaints about the tactics employed by these agents, leading to discussions on their operational protocols and the necessity for further oversight.

CHICAGO (AP) — Many federal officers assigned to immigration enforcement in the Chicago area have body cameras, but Congress would have to allocate more funds to expand their use, officials testified Monday at a hearing about the tactics agents are using in the Trump administration’s crackdown, which has produced more than 1,000 arrests.

U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis last week ordered uniformed agents to wear cameras, if available, and turn them on when engaged in arrests, frisks, building searches, or protests. She held a hearing Monday at which she questioned officials about the operation and complaints that agents are increasingly using combative tactics.

Kyle Harvick, deputy incident commander with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), indicated that Border Patrol agents involved in Operation Midway Blitz have cameras, with 201 stationed in the Chicago area. However, Shawn Byers, deputy field office director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stated that funding from Congress would be necessary to implement camera use beyond two of ICE's field offices.

At a demonstration site in Broadview, where immigrants pass through before being detained, ICE agents have reportedly not used body cameras. The absence of such equipment has raised concerns during tumultuous protests occurring there.

Ellis has expressed alarm over recent footage showing confrontational encounters between agents and protesters, leading to her comments at the hearing. She stated her intent to allow lawyers to question further federal officials, including Gregory Bovino, who leads CBP’s operations in Chicago.

The hearing was part of a broader lawsuit filed by news organizations and community groups in response to the treatment of protesters and arrests in the area. Ellis previously mandated that agents wear badges and banned certain riot control techniques against peaceful demonstrators and journalists.

U.S. Justice Department attorney Samuel Holt defended actions taken by law enforcement, asserting that agents have been attacked while enforcing federal laws. Meanwhile, plans to utilize the National Guard to aid immigration officers in Illinois have faced legal hurdles and remain under review.