A left-handed lawmaker in New York has reinstated a ban on masks for protesters. In light of this, two Manhattan Democrats, Rep. Dan Goldman and Adriano Espillat, are reflecting on a related federal ban that prevents ICE agents from concealing their identities during the arrest of dangerous individuals.
The “secret police law” mandates that immigration and customs enforcement agents, along with homeland security personnel, cannot hide their faces when enforcing immigration laws. They must display official IDs and insignia prominently.
Interestingly, California Democrats are pushing for similar regulations at the state level, which would also prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks. More progressive areas might consider adopting similar measures.
It’s worth noting that Homeland Security has reported a staggering 413% increase in attacks against ICE enforcement recently.
Following the riots in LA, ICE officers and their families have faced threats and attacks, which reflects a tactic often used by gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13 against their rivals.
However, there are strong progressive voices opposing the measure to prevent masking.
Since at least the 2020 anti-government protests, rioters and “protesters” have been seen donning masks regularly. In recent days, especially at the “Tentifadas” protests, this has only escalated.
Anonymity allows these individuals to evade the consequences of violent behavior and intimidate others. It’s apparent that those wearing masks often act with a sense of impunity.
This has led to renewed calls for New York’s anti-masking laws to be reinstated. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo had abolished these laws early in the pandemic in 2020.
Governor Kathy Hochul made an attempt to revisit the issue this year, but the Progressive faction opposed her efforts, citing a desire to protect mask-wearing demonstrators.
Those engaged in peaceful protests shouldn’t need to hide their identities.
I do agree that there should be strict limits on law enforcement masking. Yet, it seems a bit odd to fixate on revealing the identities of officers tasked with detaining illegal immigrants, especially when political factions protect a rising tide of anti-Semitism.
