Twenty-One Democratic Attorneys General Call for Legislation Banning Masked ICE Agents
Twenty-one Democratic attorneys general, including Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, are urging Congress to pass legislation that would prohibit federal immigration agents from wearing masks and require them to display visible identification and insignia while carrying out their duties.
In a joint letter sent on Tuesday, the coalition expressed concerns that masked and unidentified U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers are creating fear within communities, diminishing trust in law enforcement, and potentially endangering the public. The letter, co-signed by attorneys general from states such as California, Arizona, Colorado, and New York, calls for action to address what Raoul referred to as “unscrupulous ICE tactics.”
“Law enforcement agencies, whether federal, state, or local, should operate with transparency and integrity in service to the communities they serve,” Raoul stated in a press release. “The use of unidentified agents in law enforcement activities not only increases community distrust but also raises the risk of violence that could harm both bystanders and officers.”
The coalition’s letter outlines several specific concerns, including reports of plainclothes ICE agents wearing masks and driving unmarked vehicles while conducting arrests on streets, at residences, workplaces, and even courthouses. The lack of clear identification, they argue, poses the risk of ICE agents being mistaken for criminals, potentially escalating tense situations, leading to confrontations with bystanders, or straining local law enforcement resources. They also cautioned that criminals have already begun impersonating masked ICE agents to exploit vulnerable individuals.
“Officers across Arizona perform their duties safely in uniform without masks daily,” Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes stated. “ICE agents should do the same. Covert police tactics like these diminish trust in law enforcement and enable criminals to dangerously impersonate officers, which is already happening.”
California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the use of masked agents as “shocking and unacceptable,” asserting that such practices pose threats to both public safety and civil liberties.
However, Homeland Security officials argue that the use of masks is necessary for the safety of officers. ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons emphasized the importance of anonymity due to online threats against ICE agents and their families.
“Individuals are actively collecting personal information, including names and faces, and posting them online with threats of harm to both themselves and their families,” Lyons stated during a press conference in Boston. “While I understand that some may find it offensive that our agents wear masks, I cannot jeopardize the safety of our agents and their families due to public opinion on immigration enforcement.”
Tricia McLaughlin, assistant secretary for public affairs at the Department of Homeland Security, pointed out that agents are facing a significant increase in assaults, attributing the rise to what she described as the demonization of ICE officers by the public and escalating threats from transnational gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua.
Despite these concerns, the attorneys general maintain that the agency is overlooking broader risks.
“In Colorado, we uphold responsible and trustworthy law enforcement through transparency and professionalism under appropriate oversight,” stated Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. “Covert enforcement tactics, except in exceptional circumstances, undermine public trust, jeopardize public safety, and violate the fundamental principle that law enforcement officers must be identifiable and accountable.”
While acknowledging the need for protective measures in rare instances, the coalition is urging Congress to prohibit the general use of masks by ICE agents and establish clear standards for accountability and identification.
In addition to Raoul, the letter was signed by attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.
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