Rep. Velázquez Seeks Ban on ICE Masks at NYC Rally

Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez has introduced the No Masks for ICE Act, legislation that would prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks during enforcement actions except for medical or safety reasons, aiming to increase transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement. Velázquez and other advocates held rallies in New York City, highlighting concerns that masked agents create fear and confusion in immigrant communities, sometimes leading bystanders to mistake arrests for kidnappings. The bill also requires ICE agents to wear clothing clearly identifying their affiliation and mandates annual reporting to Congress on related complaints and disciplinary actions. Supporters argue that unmasking ICE agents would reduce intimidation tactics and protect both immigrants and law enforcement, especially in light of incidents involving masked impersonators committing crimes. ICE officials maintain that masks are optional, citing increased assaults on agents and their families due to hostility towards ICE, and call for de-escalation of rhetoric by politicians and activists. This push for legislation comes amid ongoing federal efforts under President Donald Trump’s administration to increase deportations and immigration enforcement.