U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting Director Todd Lyons is defending the use of masks by agents in the field, citing escalating threats against personnel. In an interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation”, Lyons acknowledged personal reservations but emphasized safety.
“I’ve said it publicly before, I’m not a proponent of the masks. However, if that’s a tool that the men and women of ICE [use] to keep themselves and their family safe, then I will allow it,” he said.
ICE has drawn criticism for deploying masked and plainclothes officers, particularly in cities like Los Angeles, where Mayor Karen Bass likened their tactics to “violent kidnapping.” Critics argue the use of unmarked officers increases community fear and erodes trust.
Lyons pushed back, asserting agents typically wear ICE insignia and urged lawmakers to focus on legislation punishing threats and doxing of agents. He confirmed ICE has access to Medicaid and other federal databases to track individuals ordered deported.
Reps. Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat have introduced legislation to ban mask use, arguing that masked enforcement echoes “authoritarian regimes” and causes confusion and fear in immigrant communities.
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