White House Guidance on I.C.E. Agents

Former Acting DHS Secretary Chad Wolf has commented on new guidelines issued by the White House related to the use of body cameras by I.C.E. agents during traffic stops. These guidelines now allow agents to conduct stops if at least one officer is equipped with a body camera. This policy stems from recent fatal shootings discussed on ‘America Reports.’

New Hampshire Lawmaker’s Traffic Stop Case

A traffic stop involving a New Hampshire Democratic lawmaker, traveling at 107 mph, has reignited the conversation about police body cameras and dashboard cameras. This case has highlighted the absence of such equipment in some sheriff’s offices.

State Rep. Ellen Read argues that the two traffic stops, including the one for alleged high-speed driving, violated the New Hampshire Constitution. This provision is supposed to protect lawmakers traveling to and from legislative duties. Without cameras, the stops lacked official recordings, fueling the constitutional dispute about legislative immunity.

Funding Challenges for Body Cameras

Major Christopher Bashaw from Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office informed Fox News Digital that the agency lacks body cameras due to insufficient funding. New Hampshire established a Body-Worn and Dashboard Camera Fund in 2021 for local law enforcement agencies. This fund offers matching grants for camera purchases and maintenance.

Although law enforcement agencies can apply for these grants, the law does not obligate them to use or purchase cameras. Read has expressed support for legislation and funding to assist agencies in acquiring body cameras.

Constitutional Interpretation

Read contends that the constitutional provision protects lawmakers from delays related to legislative duties rather than prosecution. Although willing to accept a speeding ticket, she disputes claims of reckless driving at 107 mph.

According to Lawrence Friedman, a New England Law professor, the provision aims to prevent delays for lawmakers on official duties. It does not offer absolute immunity from traffic stops or criminal charges.

The New Hampshire Supreme Court has not yet made a decision on Read’s constitutional challenge, indicating they might want an outcome from the trial court first.

Modernizing Constitutional Language

Bashaw noted the constitutional intent is to avoid interference with legislative work, not to protect lawmakers from consequences of dangerous driving. Read suggests the constitutional language could benefit from modernization while preserving its original purpose.

Read acknowledges she did not write the provision, highlighting its age predating automobiles.