Congressman Cleo Fields Urges DHS to Address Masked ICE Operations and Accountability Gaps
Baton Rouge, LA – Congressman Cleo Fields (LA-06) sent a formal letter to the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expressing deep concern over recent reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducting enforcement operations while wearing masks and failing to identify themselves as federal law enforcement officers.
In the letter, Congressman Fields outlined how these practices raise serious safety concerns for both ICE officers and the public.
“When officers cannot be identified, accountability becomes impossible,” wrote Congressman Fields. “This practice opens the door to abuse power and puts both law enforcement and civilians at serious risk.”
The letter also called for DHS to take immediate action, including:
Issue clear guidance requiring all ICE agents to properly identify themselves as federal law enforcement officers at the time of any arrest or detention, consistent with existing DHS policies.
Prohibit the use of masks or face coverings during routine enforcement operations, except in specific circumstances where environmental hazards or covert operations require such protection.
Mandate visible identification including agency insignia, badge numbers, or other identifying information that allows for accountability and prevents impersonation.
Strengthen body camera compliance by closing loopholes in ICE Directive 19010.3 that allow officers to avoid BWC activation based on broad operational security exceptions and ensure that BWC footage is effectively linked to officer identification for accountability purposes.
Provide comprehensive training on identification requirements and de-escalation techniques to reduce the risk of confrontations arising from confusion about officer identity.
Establish clear disciplinary procedures for agents who fail to comply with identification requirements.
Rep. Fields’ concerns are echoed by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), who recently introduced legislation that would prohibit federal immigration agents from concealing their identity and require them to display proper identification.
“The public deserves to know who is enforcing the law,” Congressman Fields stated. “And officers deserve policies that protect their safety while upholding the public’s trust.” Congressman Fields remains committed to working with DHS and federal agencies to improve law enforcement practices and ensure accountability, transparency, and community safety.
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