ICE bans personal smart glasses for agents, cites privacy concerns

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has issued a memo to its employees prohibiting the use of Meta RayBan smart glasses and similar personal recording devices while on duty. The directive, reported on August 19, 2026, comes after multiple instances of agents being spotted wearing the AI-equipped eyewear during enforcement operations and at protests, creating a conflict between official policy and observed practice.

The internal memo states that "the use of Meta Glasses or similar devices could unintentionally capture, record, or transmit sensitive information, potentially compromising privacy and legal protections." A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson clarified that the ban is not new, noting that employees have "always" been barred from using "personally owned bodyworn cameras." The recent communication serves as a reminder of this standing policy, which applies to all agency staff, not just field agents.

Despite the prohibition, reports from earlier in 2026 documented Border Patrol and ICE personnel wearing the glasses during operations. Investigations revealed agents using the devices in at least six states. One video showed a DHS agent using the glasses to...