Dont ComplyThe Government Accountability Office said in report GAO-26-108157, published September 15, 2026 and publicly released October 14, that Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement have not updated their body-worn camera program plans since 2022 and 2024, respectively. GAO said the plans do not reflect changes such as more cameras scheduled for deployment and a 2025 pause in deployment. It found neither agency has results-oriented performance goals and measures, and that most offices lack operational guidance on camera use, which GAO said raises the risk personnel will not use cameras as policy requires. GAO recommended that ICE add controls such as automated activation. The Department of Homeland Security agreed with six of seven recommendations but did not agree to implement automated camera activation controls. GAO said it maintains that additional controls would help ensure adherence to ICE policy.
Why it matters
Body-worn cameras are meant to enhance transparency, accountability and public trust, and GAO found the agencies cannot yet measure whether the programs deliver those results. GAO also said gaps in guidance and activation controls increase the risk that footage is not captured as policy requires.
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