The official explanation on why ICE wears masks from the DHS website is the following:

ICE law enforcement officers wear masks to prevent doxing, which can (and has) placed them and their families at risk. All ICE law enforcement officers carry badges and credentials and will identify themselves when required for public safety or legal necessity.”

In the wake of the 2020 George Floyd protests, the Minneapolis Police Department was as despised about as much as any American law enforcement agency has ever been despised. Yet they never reverted to a policy of hiding their identities. Were they at any less risk of doxing? Were their families any less at risk? No - they were at far greater risk, and yet they were still required to be identifiable at all times.

The Minneapolis police had a seemingly insurmountable trust issue with the community they were there to support. But they pledged to work on it, and for the last 6 years they have made great progress. They made progress by being accountable, by being transparent, and by committing to fix their faults.

Legitimate immigration enforcement in this country has been horribly damaged for years to come. Damaged by the dishonesty of this administration. Damaged by the lack of accountability. Damaged by the lack of transparency.

If they wish to ever have credibility again, they must acknowledge their faults and do the hard work of rebuilding trust. That starts with transparency.

Unmask the agents. Allow them to do their jobs when they are doing it legally. Hold them accountable when they are not.

This is the only way forward.