Once again, two United States Congressmen from New York — Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) — are proposing legislation that could have severe consequences for the safety and security of our federal agents.
The proposed No Secret Police Act would require Department of Homeland Security law enforcement officers involved in border security and civil immigration enforcement to display full identification when detaining or arresting individuals, and would ban the use of non-tactical, improvised face coverings.
One of the Democratic cosponsors of this legislation even had the boldness to issue a press release declaring, “Only bad guys wear masks.”
But nowhere does this Congressman suggest that rioters attacking law enforcement with bats and bricks and Molotov cocktails should give up their masks.
Instead, he chose to add to the same recent wave of baseless attacks that have put each and every federal law enforcement officer in this country at greater personal risk.
A risk, it is worth noting, that has been increased solely because these law enforcement officers are out there putting their lives on the line enforcing the very same laws passed by Congress.
Let’s be clear: federal agents and law enforcement officers have worn masks during sensitive operations for decades. This is not a new practice.
As National President of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, I can state unequivocally that with today’s 24/7 media coverage, the explosion of social media, and the disturbing rise in doxing and targeted threats against agents and their families, face coverings offer critical protection for those who put their lives on the line to enforce our nation’s laws.
We support transparency and accountability. Officers and agents should wear badges, display agency insignia, and include some form of identifying number while conducting enforcement operations.
Every citizen has the right to file a complaint if they believe misconduct occurred. But recording agents and posting their identities online with the intent to threaten, harass, or endanger them and their families is a criminal act — and it must be treated as such.
Rather than pushing legislation that weakens officer safety, lawmakers should take a serious look at what is actually happening in our communities.
Crime is down in many major cities as a direct result of targeted law enforcement efforts — including immigration enforcement initiatives.
Public safety remains a top concern for voters, and we’ve seen election results across the country reflect a demand for stronger, not weaker, public safety policies.
“Soft on crime” politicians are being voted out, while those prioritizing safety and law enforcement are winning elections.
We’ve all seen the videos: shoplifters boldly walking out of stores, knowing there are little to no consequences. These are not victimless crimes.
Retail theft drives up costs, forces businesses to close, and keeps paying customers away from communities plagued by lawlessness.
If we’re going to talk about banning masks, then let’s do it for the criminals first. FLEOA would wholeheartedly support legislation banning the use of masks by criminals during robberies, looting, riots, and assaults on law enforcement officers.
We need to do better.
We need leadership that unites this country, not divides it. I continue to commend Secretary Noem, ICE Director Todd Lyons, ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan, Border Czar Tom Homan, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and others who are working tirelessly under the direction of President Trump and Vice President Vance to enforce the laws of this country.
Whether you agree with the policies or not, the fact remains: President Trump campaigned openly on the issues of strengthening border security and immigration enforcement — and now, he is doing exactly what he said he would do.
We too often reduce serious issues to partisan bickering.
Some believe President Trump can do no wrong, while others think he can do nothing right.
But at some point, we must move beyond personality and politics and focus on results. Is what’s happening helping or hurting the American people?
That’s the only question that really matters.
