Trump endorses Kristi Noem’s decision to equip Minneapolis ICE officers with body cameras

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump backed Kristi Noem’s efforts to deploy body-worn cameras on ICE agents in Minneapolis, speaking to reporters during an Oval Office interview on Monday, February 2.

The support follows Noem’s announcement that the Department of Homeland Security will equip every federal officer in the field in Minneapolis with body cameras.

The move comes amid renewed scrutiny of ICE operations after recent shootings in the city exposed uneven body-camera policies across agencies and raised fresh questions about transparency and accountability.

Trump supports ICE body cameras rollout

During an Oval Office interview with reporters, Trump was asked about the decision to deploy body cameras in Minneapolis. A reporter said, "Mr President, Kristi Noem just announced that you're deploying body cameras to Minneapolis. What's your thinking behind this decision? And do you want to see this?"

Trump responded that the move was made by Noem, emphasizing that he deferred to her judgment. Trump said bluntly, "It wasn't my decision." He added, "I would have, you know, I leave it to her. Uh, they generally tend to be good for law enforcement because people can't lie about what's happening."

Trump described body cameras as "80% good for law enforcement," arguing that they help prevent false claims during encounters. He said he was comfortable with the rollout if Noem chose to proceed, adding, "So it's uh generally speaking, I think 80% good for law enforcement. But if you want to do it, then I'm okay with it."

Trump then pointed to what he described as his “tremendously perfect strong border” as part of his broader explanation. He emphasized, "crime levels are at the lowest point they've been in 125 years. Since 1900 we have the best numbers and that's despite the fact that we hade a lot of criminals and murderers."

He concluded by reiterating his deference to Noem’s decision, saying, "So you know, so we are doing a good job if she wants to the camera thing, that's ok with me."

Minneapolis ICE officers get body cameras

Kristi Noem said Monday, February 2 that federal officers in Minneapolis will receive body cameras. "I just spoke with @RealTomHoman @ICEdirector @CBPCommissioner," Noem wrote on X. "Effective immediately, we are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis."

She added that the program will grow as money becomes available. "As funding is available, the body camera program will be expanded nationwide," she wrote. "We will rapidly acquire and deploy body cameras to DHS law enforcement across the country. The most transparent administration in American history, thank you President Donald Trump." Noem ended her post with, "Make America Safe Again."

The issue gained urgency in Minneapolis after recent immigration enforcement shootings. Customs and Border Protection officers fatally shot Alex Pretti while wearing body cameras. In a separate incident, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent shot and killed Renee Good, 37, during a federal operation in south Minneapolis earlier this year. The ICE agent was not wearing a body camera.

ICE has slowly expanded its use of body-worn cameras nationwide, including during recent high-profile arrests. However, sources said the team involved in the operation that led to Good’s death did not have the devices.

DHS officials said the officers involved in Pretti’s shooting were wearing body cameras, which captured video of the incident from multiple angles.

Body cameras have also become a point of contention in Congress as lawmakers debate funding for the Department of Homeland Security. House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing to pass a $1.2 trillion spending package to fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year, while extending DHS funding for only two weeks.