The tactics of federal immigration agents, including the use of masks and unmarked vehicles during arrests, are causing significant concern among Angelenos regarding public safety. Critics assert that these methods lead to widespread fear, affecting both citizens and undocumented immigrants. Scott Shuchart highlighted the dangers of masked individuals approaching citizens, questioning their legitimacy. Conversely, supporters argue that masking is essential due to threats from social media exposure and increasing political tension, stressing that many arrested by ICE in Los Angeles had no prior criminal records.
"It's very dangerous," said Scott Shuchart, who worked for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from 2022 until January of this year as an assistant director for regulatory affairs and a policy counselor. "If somebody comes up to you with a mask and a T-shirt and no badge, why would you think that they are exercising a legitimate authority, as opposed to being a violent criminal trying to do you harm?"
Defenders of federal immigration agents also cite security as a reason for masking. They present immigrants without legal papers as a threat to public safety, even though the majority of people ICE arrested across LA in early June had no criminal record.
"We have a lot of agents whose faces are being put on social media platforms across the country," said Mathew Silverman, national president of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association. "We have politicians right now that are saying, 'We will find...'.
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