Agents with homeland security team to wear body cameras

DHS agents’ body cameras: what they record and how it affects your case

Several DHS components use body-worn cameras (BWCs) during certain operations to document encounters, improve accountability, and preserve evidence. However, camera use isn’t universal; activation rules depend on the component, the operation, and officer safety. We explain what BWCs mean for immigration and criminal cases and how to request footage.

When cameras are typically used

Enforcement actions (e.g., arrests, searches, vehicle stops) when policy and safety allow
Border or port-of-entry encounters and field interviews in some settings
Planned operations (warrants, task-force work) with pre-briefed activation rules
Therefore, not every conversation is recorded, and some sensitive settings may be excluded.

What BWCs capture (and what they don’t)

Audio + video from the agent’s perspective; timestamps and device IDs
Limitations: field of view, low light, body position, and background noise can affect clarity
Redactions may be applied later to protect privacy or ongoing investigations

How footage is stored and requested

Footage is uploaded to a secure evidence system with retention schedules.
Defense counsel may obtain footage via discovery in criminal cases, FOIA requests, or immigration-court discovery where applicable.
When you retain us, we file targeted FOIA and preservation letters immediately.

Why body-camera evidence matters

Corroborates or contradicts reports and affidavits
Shows consent to search (or lack of it) and Miranda/rights advisals
Reveals language access issues (e.g., interpreter use)
Documents force, injury, and conditions during encounters
As a result, footage can support suppression, credibility, or mitigation arguments.

Practical tips if you’re recorded

Stay calm and speak clearly; ask for interpreting if needed.
If you do not consent to a search, say so politely (unless presented with a warrant).
After release, write down the date, time, location, officers’ names/units, and any witnesses—this helps us pinpoint footage.

For employers & facilities (worksite/raid context)

Train managers to request counsel and keep a log (time, location, agents present).
Preserve internal video (CCTV) to sync with BWC timestamps.
Keep I-9 and access policies consistent; therefore, your compliance story aligns with what cameras show.

Evidence & documents checklist (so we can find the video fast)

Exact date/time/location, officer names or unit, any vehicle numbers
Incident numbers, receipts, or NTA/booking papers
Photos of the area and any private cameras that may corroborate angles
Contact info for witnesses and copies of your own recordings, if any

FAQs

Can I ask the officer to turn the camera on?
You can ask, and sometimes they will; however, activation is controlled by policy and safety.

Will footage always exist?
Not always. Policies allow non-activation in certain circumstances or when unsafe. We still request all sources (BWC, dash cam, facility CCTV).

Can the government edit the video?
Agencies may make redactions for privacy or investigations. We can seek unredacted or in-camera review when appropriate.

Does BWC help or hurt my case?
Either is possible. Therefore, we obtain and review footage early to align strategy.

How we help

First, we send preservation and FOIA requests for all recordings. Next, we analyze audio/video for consent, warnings, translation, and timing. Then, we use footage to support suppression, bond, or relief arguments. Finally, we coordinate with any civil claims if rights were violated.

Need help getting DHS body-camera footage? Schedule a consultation or call (562) 495-0554.

Disclaimer: General information, not legal advice. BWChttps://blerner.timetap.com/#/ policies evolve by component and location; we confirm current rules for your case.

DHS Agents Body Cameras. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced DHS’s first body-worn camera policy a year after President Biden’s executive order. The Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday that it is establishing rules for the use of body cameras. Incorporating body cameras for DHS agents is crucial for transparency. The policy announced by DHS agents all the agencies to have a standard for all body-worn camera operations, according to a senior department official. According to the 2018 BJS report, the main reasons (about 80% each) that local police and sheriffs’ offices had acquired body-worn cameras were to improve officer safety, increase evidence quality, reduce civilian complaints, and reduce agency liability. The introduction of body cameras for DHS agents aims to achieve similar benefits.