Todd Lyons, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), remarked that agents can still wear masks during operations, despite concerns related to the moves aimed at limiting personnel identification.
In an interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” he addressed the use of masks amidst rising threats against ICE agents, although there seems to be some uncertainty surrounding the issue.
“I’ve mentioned this before: I’m not a strong proponent of masks. But if it’s a means for our agents to ensure their safety and that of their families, then I’m okay with it,” he stated.
Lyons mentioned that several agents have faced serious doxxing incidents, along with a noticeable increase in assaults against executives within the agency.
ICE has faced significant backlash for the adoption of masks and the choice to conduct more operations with unmarked officers.
In Los Angeles, where there were violent incidents against ICE, Mayor Karen Bass criticized the masked presence, asserting, “To the typical citizen, this comes off as an aggressive approach.”
A masked officer has also been apprehended in immigration court, leading ICE lawyers to move forward with dismissing lawsuits. This action is often interpreted by immigrants as an effort to counter their deportation attempts, yet it can lead to expedited removal procedures that provide minimal judicial scrutiny.
Lyons objected to the notion that agents lack identification, suggesting they should don some form of ICE insignia.
Nevertheless, he expressed a desire for increased backing from key lawmakers, particularly as ICE agents grapple with doxxing issues.
“We’re countering the belief that we don’t identify ourselves. I’ve reiterated many times that numerous elected officials have proposed laws that would ban masks,” he noted.
“If such support materializes, and those regulations are enacted, we can instill a sense of safety for citizens regarding ICE agents, officers, and other law enforcement officials, ensuring accountability for those threatening their lives and families, as well as doxxing.”
Democrats Rep. Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat from New York have also introduced a bill seeking to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks.
“To maintain order in a democratic society, anonymity should not be tolerated. The presence of masked ICE and DHS agents reflects tactics akin to those employed by secret police in authoritarian regimes. This deviates significantly from the practices of local law enforcement that contribute to community stability,” they argued.
“Many immigrants arrive in America seeking opportunity, hope, and freedom from oppressive circumstances. They shouldn’t have to face the fear of disappearing at the hands of masked individuals in unmarked vehicles.”
Lyons also confirmed that ICE has access to Medicaid data, which includes limited addresses for non-U.S. citizens eligible for this program in various states.
“During the previous administration, we encountered numerous cases of individuals who effectively vanished from the system. ICE is collaborating with other federal partners to gather intelligence aimed at locating those who have been ordered deported or released under lax supervision standards,” he explained.
“We’re utilizing data from various sources including the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Medicaid to target the individuals deemed most problematic—those who have legally been deported.”
