"Elected leaders in the Bay Area 's largest city are proposing a policy that would ban federal immigration officers from concealing their identities during enforcement actions within its borders, taking a cue from lawmakers in the state and elsewhere. "I believe people, regardless of citizenship, deserve to know who's approaching them and whether that person is a legitimate law enforcement officer, not someone impersonating them.""
"San José City Attorney Nora Frimann said it's unclear whether local or state laws will hold any sway over federal agents or officers, be they from ICE, Border Patrol, or another agency. "But it is also significantly troubling to many in the community that masking and other efforts to hide identity can endanger residents, and not allow our residents to know if legitimate law enforcement is occurring and by which agency or branch of government," Frimann said in an email."
San José officials propose an ordinance to bar federal immigration officers from concealing their identities during enforcement actions within city limits. The proposal has backing from multiple councilmembers and will be considered by the city's Rules and Open Government Committee before possible full council consideration. Similar "No Secret Police" measures are being pursued in other states and counties. City Attorney Nora Frimann said it is unclear whether local or state laws can constrain federal agents. Frimann also warned that masking and identity-hiding efforts can endanger residents and prevent them from knowing which agency is conducting enforcement. ICE did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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