Sen. Angus King and 38 Democrats sent DHS a July 20 letter after two fatal ICE shootings.
Why it matters: The letter raises fresh pressure on DHS over ICE use-of-force rules, officer identification and body-camera rollout. It also keeps scrutiny on how the agency handled the fatal shootings in Maine and Texas.
- On July 20, Sen. Angus King led 38 Democratic senators in a letter to DHS.
- The senators asked about ICE vetting, vehicle pursuits, officer identification and body-worn cameras.
- The letter followed fatal ICE shootings in Biddeford, Maine, on July 13 and Houston, Texas, on July 7.
- ICE Directive 19010.3 is dated Feb. 18, 2025, and DHS's FY 2026 budget includes a body-camera line item.
Sen. Angus King and 38 Democratic senators are pressing the Department of Homeland Security for answers after two fatal ICE shootings sharpened scrutiny of the agency's tactics.
In a July 20 letter, the senators asked DHS to explain ICE vetting, vehicle-pursuit practices, officer identification and the rollout of body-worn cameras, according to King's office.
The request followed shootings in Biddeford, Maine, and Houston, Texas. In the Maine case, AP reported the shooting occurred on July 13. In Houston, AP reported the July 7 shooting involved ICE's claim that the subject weaponized a vehicle, while passengers disputed that account and said the driver was not in danger of running over officers. AP
The senators' push comes even though ICE already has a body-camera directive. ICE Directive 19010.3, dated Feb. 18, 2025, says officers will use body-worn cameras to collect audio and video recordings. DHS's FY 2026 budget justification also includes a body-camera program line item. ICE's policy and DHS budget request
King has separately called for clearer officer identification, judicial warrants, body cameras and independent investigations of use of force in ICE operations, according to his earlier statement.
By the numbers
- 38 - Democratic senators who joined King's July 20 letter.
- 2 - fatal ICE shootings that prompted the letter, in Maine and Texas.
- Feb. 18, 2025 - date on ICE Directive 19010.3.
What's next: The senators are awaiting DHS's response to the July 20 letter.