Sen. Collins’ proposal to inject $20 million for body cams and $2 million for de-escalation training into Department of Homeland Security funding misses the core problem with ICE. 

The chaos and escalation to violence that many ICE agents are sowing illustrates their disregard for regulations as well as their lack of training. Studies show mixed results for body cams reducing excessive force, and enforcing their use is challenging. Their ability to “protect ICE and the general public,” per Sen. Collins, is still unproven.

Why add funds for extra de-escalation training when de-escalation is a cornerstone of law enforcement training already? Safety training is serious business and $2 million is a paltry sum for the multiplying numbers of ICE recruits. This shows a lack of understanding of the necessity for comprehensive training at the outset.

The root problem is that the immigration enforcement plan under Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller and others is simply cruel politics. Unchecked intimidation and chaos is their goal, not making our country safe from criminals. More money for body cams and insufficient amounts of additional training cannot correct the problems with ICE. Misguided intentions, hasty recruiting, incomplete vetting and training, followed by rushed onboarding make ICE a program unworthy of continued funding. 

Elizabeth Moberg
South Portland