Evidently, ICE agents have long worn masks, mostly in sensitive situations where protecting identities also protects families from retribution. This was key in, for instance, arresting cartel members and other potentially violent offenders whose criminal "families" might exact retribution.
But the masked agents leaping out of unmarked vans to arrest people on American streets in broad daylight strikes me as one of those images that should bother everyone. When the crooks look much like the "good guys," and when many of those arrested are unarmed and unsuspecting, the visuals are tough to shake.
I was reading this morning that there are no federal laws pertaining to masking federal agents. I guess it's just a policy. I also read that it's legal to capture video of police officers, generally, in their duties. I'm sure there is some limit regarding confidential or undercover operations. I am confused by the contrast in the two law enforcement operating instructions.
A country in which masked men can spirit possibly innocent people into detention (and ask questions later) is a country that most of us would label as a police state and a possible human rights abusing nation. Somewhere like Venezuela or Iran. Not the Land of the Free.
I am skeptical that illegal immigration is the national threat that Republicans, at least, believe it to be. My view is that a nation growing increasingly older, with women having fewer children, benefits in lots of ways from immigrants. Of course, I would favor finding legal means to manage this influx of potential workers, citizens and taxpayers. And no one seriously disagrees with dangerous criminals being locked up or deported.
Immigration is beyond complex, but I can't quite shake that visual of armed, masked men arresting people on the street. There has to be a better way.
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