On June 26, 2025, U.S. Representative Nydia M. Velazquez led a rally in Lower Manhattan advocating the No Mask for ICE Act. This legislation aims to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks during arrests, ensuring they visibly display their identification. The act aims to alleviate fears within immigrant communities that masked agents represent a threat or intimidation. Velazquez emphasized that such practices are un-American, likening masked arrests to kidnappings in the eyes of bystanders. The bill has gathered bipartisan support and is expected to have a Senate counterpart introduced soon.
Masked ICE agents have become a common sight at Lower Manhattan immigration court and around the country—one that has left immigrant communities locally and nationally terrified, according to Velazquez.
This is un-American. Immigrant communities are terrified. Bystanders often think they are witnessing a kidnapping. People are left with no trust in the system.
We need to bring basic accountability back to immigration enforcement, Velazquez said. That starts with taking off the masks.
Her bill had already won considerable support, and she expects a companion bill to be introduced in the U.S. Senate.
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