(NewsNation) — Border Patrol agents will stop using body cameras in the field effective immediately, multiple sources have confirmed to NewsNation.
According to sources, the move extends to all operational activities and was purportedly prompted by social media posts showing users a way to detect Border Patrol or ICE agents.
“All U.S. Border Patrol Agents will cease the use of body-worn cameras (BWC) in all operational environments,” a statement to Border Patrol agents received by NewsNation said.
“This directive follows notification received by the IDVRS program management office, regarding a potential security risk associated with the BWCs used by USBP. Pending completion of investigation and risk mitigation, all Agents will stand down the use of their BWCs until further notice. Additional guidance and information will be disseminated as it is received.”
According to Reddit post by user “rowingalt86” under r/immigration, agents could be seen by using BLE Radar by F-Droid. BLE Radar is a mobile application that analyzes Bluetooth low-energy devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, and speakers.
Sources say the body cameras used by Border Patrol agents are Avon body cams, with social media posts claiming they can be located from at least 100 yards away, and even can trigger improvised explosive device attacks.
ICE continues to ramp up efforts to deport individuals illegally residing in the United States, accessing databases, including commercial databases, motor vehicle and driver’s records as well as utility records to locate “removable non-citizens,” according to ICE’s website.
According to NewsNation sources, President Donald Trump is unhappy with the number of arrests made by ICE.
A source with knowledge of the matter told NewsNation that the president recently remarked to aides “the numbers are too f—— low.”