Senator Susan Collins announced that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will begin wearing body cameras nationwide by the end of August, with the rollout starting the first week of August.
The initiative is funded by $20 million secured by Collins in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appropriations bill, according to her meeting with ICE Acting Director David Venturella.
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Venturella confirmed that the DHS awarded a contract to purchase body cameras, which will ship next week to ICE field offices across the country.
"By the end of August, body-worn cameras will be deployed nationwide and worn by all ICE agents in the field," Collins said.
She added that at her request, ICE will prioritize delivery of the cameras to Maine first.
Venturella also stated that ICE will require at least one agent to wear a body camera during all enforcement interactions, including vehicle stops.
"I plan to meet with ICE leadership periodically to receive continued updates on their progress on this reform, better training, and more effective vetting of recruits," Collins said.
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The DHS annual funding bill, which Collins helped shepherd through the Senate Appropriations Committee, also included increased funding for agent training in de-escalation tactics and a 17% boost for the independent Office of Inspector General, which investigates incidents like the recent fatal ICE shooting in Biddeford, Maine.
In June, Congress passed and President Trump signed a $70 billion appropriation for ICE to maintain full funding through 2027, a bill Collins voted for.
