Elected officials are calling for more transparency during immigration enforcement operations.
Several city council members and Representatives Yvette Clarke and Adriano Espaillat say they have a bill in the works that would require federal immigration agents to wear body cameras while in the field.
They say they’re concerned with how immigrants are treated during arrests, and say cameras will ensure enforcement is done in a safe and lawful manner.
"This is good for civilians because they know that any interaction between an ICE agent and them will be documented permanently," said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. "And of course, it’s also good for the agent because they know there won’t be any unwarranted claims against them. So, this is a great equalizer."
Espaillat adds that President Trump's Chief of Staff General John Kelly, who previously served as Secretary of Homeland Security, also supports the camera program.
The Congressman is also introducing legislation that would make it illegal for ICE agents to arrest people on sensitive locations such as churches, funeral homes and schools.