Federal officers in Minneapolis to get body cameras 'effective immediately'

February 2, 2026

The Department of Homeland Security has announced the immediate deployment of body cameras to all federal immigration agents operating in Minneapolis, Minnesota, following public outcry over two civilian deaths during recent immigration enforcement operations. The medical examiner ruled that Alex Pretti's January death was a homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds from law enforcement, prompting a federal civil rights investigation. The announcement occurs amid a partial government shutdown, with Democrats demanding immigration reforms including body camera requirements as part of any funding agreement.

Who is affected

Alex Pretti and Renee Good (two deceased US citizens)
Federal immigration agents deployed in Minneapolis
Residents of Minneapolis and the greater Minnesota area
Gregory Bovino (removed US border patrol chief)
Tom Homan (replacement border tsar)
Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Michael Frey
The two agents involved in Pretti's death (placed on leave)
Minneapolis city employees and police officers
Minneapolis residents subject to federal immigration enforcement

What action is being taken

DHS is deploying body cameras to every immigration officer in Minneapolis
The US Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into Pretti's death
The two agents involved in Pretti's death have been placed on leave
Tom Homan is meeting with local leaders to discuss calming tensions
Authorities are working on a plan to "draw down" federal agents in Minneapolis
More than 3,000 federal immigration officers are conducting operations in Minnesota
Democrats are demanding immigration reforms as part of government funding negotiations

Why it matters

This situation highlights the tension between federal immigration enforcement priorities and local governance, particularly in sanctuary cities that limit cooperation with immigration authorities. The deaths of two US citizens during immigration operations raise serious questions about use of force, accountability, and oversight in federal law enforcement activities. The deployment of body cameras represents a significant policy shift that could increase transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement operations nationwide, potentially affecting how thousands of federal agents conduct their duties. The incident has also become entangled in broader political disputes over government funding and immigration policy reform.

What's next

Body camera programme will be expanded nationwide once funding becomes available
Federal authorities will implement a plan to reduce the number of agents in Minneapolis, contingent on state and local cooperation
The Department of Justice's civil rights investigation into Pretti's death will continue
Government shutdown negotiations will proceed, with Democrats continuing to push for immigration reforms including body cameras as part of any funding deal

Read full article from source: BBC