Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser has joined 21 other Democratic attorneys general in urging Congress to ban the use of masks and plainclothes by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during arrests.
The coalition is backing legislation that would require ICE agents to reveal their identities and wear visible identification during enforcement actions. Their joint letter supports the VISIBLE Act, introduced by U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla of California, which is currently awaiting a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“It is shocking that we have reached a point in America where such a common-sense set of measures must be enshrined into law,” the attorneys general wrote. “But in light of recent events, such legislation is necessary to protect the public, ensure accountability, and preserve the reputation and effectiveness of law enforcement at every level of government.”
Federal immigration agents have come under fire in recent months for operating in unmarked vehicles, dressing in civilian clothes, and wearing masks—a practice critics say has expanded under the Trump administration. There have also been reports that ICE agents have refused to identify themselves during certain operations.
ICE has defended the use of masks, claiming they are necessary to protect agents from retaliation and doxxing. The agency stated that all agents are required to wear identifiable badges during operations and follow federal rules that mandate identification “as soon as it is practical and safe to do so.”
“In Colorado, we promote responsible and trustworthy law enforcement through transparency and well-trained professionals subject to appropriate oversight,” said Weiser. “By contrast, secretive enforcement tactics, other than in exceptional situations, undermine public trust, threaten public safety, and violate the principle that law enforcement officers must be identifiable and accountable to the people they serve. Congress must act now to protect that trust, safeguard public safety, and ensure that all enforcement operations uphold our democratic values.”
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