Great Lakes Wire

LANSING – Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has co-led a group of 21 attorneys general in urging Congress to enact legislation that would restrict federal immigration agents from wearing masks and mandate them to display identification. This coalition has raised concerns about the increasing number of incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers who are dressed in plainclothes, use unmarked vehicles, and detain individuals at various locations such as streets, homes, workplaces, and courthouses.

The coalition argues that these practices by ICE diverge significantly from the transparency typically associated with law enforcement agencies. They emphasize that these tactics can pose safety risks and create fear instead of enhancing public safety.

Nessel stated: “Normalizing the practice of using masked agents who do not identify themselves is not just a shocking escalation of unscrupulous police tactics – it also presents a significant danger for residents and officers alike.”

The attorneys general warn that without proper identification, there is potential for misunderstandings where bystanders may intervene or situations could escalate dangerously. There is also concern about impersonation of ICE agents leading to exploitation or harm within communities.

Michigan law mandates clear identification for law enforcement officers. The state's resisting and obstructing statute requires knowledge or reasonable belief that an individual giving commands is a police officer for charges to be applicable. Officers executing search warrants are also expected to announce their presence.

The coalition acknowledges certain protective measures may be necessary but cautions against unchecked use of masks which could undermine democratic values, reduce public trust, and lead to civil rights violations. They urge Congress to establish guidelines ensuring transparency and accountability among federal immigration agents.

Joining Nessel in this appeal are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Hawai'i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island Vermont,and Washington.