Multiple States Propose Legislation Banning ICE Officers Masking Practices

Several states and federal lawmakers have introduced legislation aimed at banning law enforcement officers, particularly ICE agents, from concealing their identities with masks during operations, citing concerns over accountability and public fear. In Michigan, a bill proposed by Democrats would criminalize masked policing, targeting ICE's use of plainclothes and masked officers during immigration raids, a tactic defended by DHS as necessary to protect agents from harassment. Similar measures are being considered in Pennsylvania and Oregon, where lawmakers and local officials, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, have criticized masked ICE raids as intimidating and lacking transparency. Senator Ron Wyden and Senator Elissa Slotkin have introduced federal proposals mandating clear identification for ICE agents and restricting non-medical face coverings. Critics, including Senator Chris Murphy, argue that expanding ICE with masked officers risks enabling misconduct and attracting unsuitable candidates, warning this anonymity could foster brutality and vigilantism. Meanwhile, DHS defends the practice, citing a significant rise in assaults on masked officers and condemning legislative efforts as politically motivated attacks that endanger law enforcement personnel.