Attleboro representative proposes bill to ban ICE agents from wearing masks

ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WLNE) — Attleboro representative James Hawkins has proposed a new bill to try to ban U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from wearing masks in Massachusetts.

According to affiliate WCVB, the legislation would ban local, state, and federal law enforcement officers from wearing personal disguises on the job.

Agents would still be able to wear surgical or N95 respirators, and Special Weapons and Tactics team officers would be able to wear gear to protect their faces, according to WCVB.

“It’s to stop law enforcement agencies, mainly ICE, from detaining people with their masks on,” Rep. Hawkins said. “I believe in law and order and due process, and that’s not happening, so we need to call attention to that and address it.”

Meanwhile, critics said the bill is misguided and would only invite more attacks on law enforcement officers.

“Assault on ICE officers have gone up more than 700%,” Center for Immigration Studies Jessica Vaughn said. “It really would put law enforcement officers at risk, potentially of retribution, or violence, harassment.”