Donald Trump's administration is about to adopt a new measure that could weaken the protection of migrants from stops and detentions carried out by Border Patrol and ICE agents. The decision provides for the suspension of the use of body cameras by these police forces, a tool that had been used to ensure greater transparency in meetings between authorities and immigrants. This change represents another reversal of the policies implemented during Joe Biden's administration, evidencing Trump's effort to dismantle the legacy of his predecessor.

According to a report by El Pais, anonymous sources who spoke to NewsNation, that Border Patrol agents have been officially notified about the cessation of the use of body cameras in any operational environment. The justification presented by the authorities is the need to protect police officers, claiming that individuals were able to identify agents using cameras from a distance through mobile devices and applications. The suspension will remain in effect until investigations into the alleged risks are concluded, with no forecast for resumption.

The adoption of body cameras by immigration agents has been a topic of debate since the administration of Barack Obama, but it only became official policy during the Biden administration. The use of these devices was a long-standing demand of migrant advocates, who saw cameras as a way to curb abuses and ensure greater accountability by security forces. In 2022, Biden signed an executive order directing federal law enforcement agencies to adopt the use of cameras, leading to the distribution of 1,600 devices to ICE agents in various operations, including community arrests and investigations.

Shortly before the transition of government to the Republicans, Democrats reinforced the body camera policy, highlighting its importance for transparency and building public trust. The then director of ICE, Patrick J. Lechleitner, defended the measure as essential to modernize the agency's practices and ensure the accountability of agents. In addition, the cameras also served as evidence in investigations into possible human rights violations committed at the border, El País noted.

Trump's repeal of that policy has raised concerns among those who believe the absence of cameras could open room for abuse by agents, especially in a context where the Republican administration seeks to tighten enforcement and deportation of undocumented immigrants. Trump's aggressive stance on immigration has already manifested itself in many forms, including the militarization of the border, the dismantling of regularization programs and the increase in the number of deportation flights. Although he managed to significantly reduce the number of meetings at the border in a short period, Trump said that he is still not satisfied and that he will continue to intensify his actions against illegal immigration.