Federal immigration agents deployed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, will soon receive body cameras, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) says.
This announcement comes as the government faces backlash over the deaths of two US citizens, Alex Pretti and Renee Good, following an increase of federal immigration enforcement in the area as part of a crackdown.
Effective immediately we are deploying body cameras to every officer in the field in Minneapolis, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced on social media.
The Hennepin County Medical Examiner has ruled Pretti's death a homicide, with reports stating he suffered multiple gunshot wounds inflicted by law enforcement officers.
The body camera initiative is seen as a measure to enhance transparency, especially following civil rights investigations into Pretti's death. Once adequate funding is secured, the body camera program may expand nationwide.
President Donald Trump commented on Noem's announcement, suggesting that body cameras are generally beneficial for law enforcement, stating that they help in verifying events on the ground.
In the wake of these incidents, state officials have expressed concerns, and discussions are ongoing about how best to manage federal enforcement operations in a manner that respects local governance and community safety.
With over 3,000 federal immigration officers currently deployed in Minnesota, the situation highlights the complex relationship between federal and local authorities regarding immigration enforcement policies.
