The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken issue with reporting by The Associated Press on a policy to publicly release body-worn camera footage only when the agency determines it is in its “best interests.”

Policy Details

According to ICE policy, the release of footage is considered in the immediate aftermath of a serious injury or death in custody, ideally within 72 hours, if in the “best interests of the agency.” The policy was adopted in February 2025, after President Donald Trump took office.

ICE Acting Director David J. Venturella stated that the agency is “committed to transparency and accountability” and is on track to equip every officer and agent in the field with body-worn cameras by the end of August. Venturella also clarified that ICE’s policy mirrors other federal law enforcement agencies’ policies and is fully consistent with the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act.

Expert Insights

Christopher Schneider, a sociology professor at Brandon University in Canada, noted that selective releases are routine in some law enforcement agencies but usually not so clearly contemplated in policy. “In some ways, ICE is saying the quiet part out loud,” he said.

The AP also cited examples of major police departments that routinely release footage, highlighting the varying policies among law enforcement agencies.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.