Chicago Immigration Enforcement Agencies Defend Body Camera Usage Amid Controversy

Tue Oct 21 2025 18:45:04 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

During a congressional hearing, federal officials discussed the use of body cameras in immigration enforcement operations in Chicago. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis mandated camera usage during arrests and acknowledged calls for expanded resources.

Federal officials testified at a congressional hearing about body camera usage among immigration enforcement officers in Chicago, with discussions centered on the need for more funding for widespread implementation. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis approved the use of cameras during certain operations to ensure accountability amidst recent controversies over enforcement tactics in the city. Concerns were raised regarding the effectiveness of current policies and the safety of both agents and immigrants involved.

CHICAGO — A recent congressional hearing highlighted the use of body cameras by immigration enforcement officers in the Chicago area, with federal officials advocating for enhanced funding to expand their usage ongoing enforcement operations. More than 1,000 arrests have been made in the region as part of the ongoing crackdown under the Trump administration.

U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis stated that agents must activate cameras when they engage in critical activities such as arrests, frisks, and searches, requiring uniformed agents to wear available cameras. The hearing saw contributions from a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official who confirmed that 201 Border Patrol agents in the area are equipped with body cameras.

Shawn Byers, of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), noted that additional congressional funding would be essential to broaden the use of cameras beyond two of their field offices, particularly addressing the absence of cameras at a Broadview facility that has been the site of protests.

During the hearing, Judge Ellis expressed her intention to permit further questioning of federal officials involved in the immigration enforcement strategy, including Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol chief overseeing CBP's Chicago operations. The session was part of a lawsuit arising from concerns by community activists and news organizations about the methods used during immigration arrests.

Earlier, Ellis had mandated agents wear badges and restricted specific riot control techniques against peaceful demonstrators and journalists. Reflecting on alarming footage of conflict between agents and protesters, she disclosed that she was initially 'startled' by the visuals, prompting serious consideration of enforcement policies.

Harvick, representing CBP, defended the use of tear gas in response to unruly crowds during an incident on October 12, asserting that the actions were taken to ensure the safety of both law enforcement agents and bystanders involved.

The government has pushed back against allegations of wrongdoing, maintaining that law enforcement in Chicago has faced numerous assaults resulting in injuries while performing their duties. Moreover, the Trump administration is presently restricted from deploying the National Guard to aid immigration officers, with the current order set to expire shortly unless renewed.