Mayor Bass Critiques ICE Mask Policy
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has voiced her opposition to the Trump administration’s rationale for allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to wear masks, suggesting it’s a method to shield themselves and their families from potential retaliation.
In an interview with CBS News’ Margaret Brennan on “Face the Nation,” Bass questioned the notion of unidentified individuals posing risks in Los Angeles, saying, “Well, first of all, please tell me that the masked man is not from Los Angeles and how their family can retaliate.” She also noted that local law enforcement, like the Los Angeles Police Department, are always identifiable and even provide business cards.
During the same broadcast, acting ICE director Todd Lyon acknowledged concerns about masked agents but stated he would permit them to wear masks to address safety issues. “But if that’s a tool for ice men and women to keep themselves and their families safe, I’ll allow it,” Lyon commented, pushing back against claims that they fail to identify themselves. He referenced the identifiable police gear that officers typically use.
In her remarks, Bass criticized the appearance of some ICE agents in the city, suggesting that many dress in regular clothing with vests that merely state “police.” “It looks like something they might have come online,” she remarked.
Since taking office, President Trump has initiated extensive immigration crackdowns, which have sparked significant backlash from Democrats and progressive supporters. Recently, Trump has mobilized 4,000 National Guard members and 700 Marines to Los Angeles to assist with protests against ICE operations. Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom have openly condemned these actions.
Earlier this month, a group of Senate Democrats called out ICE regarding the practice of agents not wearing uniforms while masked during operations. In a letter to Lyon, they expressed that the lack of uniforms and masks in Los Angeles contributed to confusion as agents pursued arrests. The letter also accused ICE of striving to meet “arbitrary allocation” targets set by Stephen Miller, a senior adviser to Trump.
