New York Attorney General Letitia James has spearheaded a coalition of 20 attorneys general urging Congress to enact legislation that would prevent federal immigration agents from wearing masks that hide their identities. The coalition’s letter, addressed to all members of Congress, highlights concerns about the routine use of masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, which they argue threatens public safety and accountability.
Attorney General James stated, “It is deeply disturbing that, in the United States of America, masked agents can pull people off the streets in unmarked cars without ever identifying themselves as law enforcement.” She emphasized the need for transparency and accountability among law enforcement agencies.
The coalition points out a pattern where ICE agents conduct arrests without clear identification while using masks and plainclothes. These actions reportedly cause confusion and fear among communities and hinder witnesses’ ability to report misconduct. The attorneys general also raised concerns over increasing incidents involving ICE detaining individuals in various locations such as streets, homes, workplaces, and courthouses.
Federal law mandates ICE agents to identify themselves during arrests when practical and safe. However, the attorneys general claim current practices do not align with these standards. They call for Congress to establish clear requirements to prevent further issues while acknowledging that protective measures may be necessary in limited situations.
The letter also notes safety risks not only for those apprehended but also for ICE agents and bystanders who might misinterpret situations as abductions. The coalition argues that impersonation of immigration officers is rising due to a lack of transparency from ICE.
The group advocates for proposed legislation like the “No Secret Police Act,” “No Anonymity in Immigration Enforcement Act,” “ICE Badge Visibility Act” in the House, and the “Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement (VISIBLE) Act” in the Senate.
Attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan Minnesota Nevada New Jersey New Mexico Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington District Columbia joined Attorney General James in this initiative.
