Protesters Rally in Lower Manhattan Demanding ‘No Masks for ICE’ Law
Lower Manhattan witnessed a powerful demonstration on Saturday (June 28) as immigrant rights advocates, lawyers, and lawmakers gathered in front of the ICE office and immigration court to demand the passage of the “No Masks for ICE Act.”
The proposed federal legislation would prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from wearing masks during arrests and require them to clearly display their name and agency identification.
Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-Brooklyn) and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-Manhattan) attended the protest, calling the current practice of masked, unidentified ICE agents “a threat to public trust and civil liberties.”
“This goes against the values of America,” Velázquez said. “People can no longer distinguish between real officers and potential impersonators. It’s creating fear and confusion in our communities.”
Nadler echoed her concerns said that these masked operations are deliberately designed to intimidate and destabilize immigrant communities. It’s a direct attack on people who already feel vulnerable.
Advocates argued that ICE agents often detain individuals outside courtrooms or on public streets without identifying themselves, raising serious legal and ethical concerns. People don’t even know who is taking them, said Deborah Lee, head of the Immigration Unit at The Legal Aid Society. “Masked men claim to be ICE, and the public is left terrified and uncertain.”
President of the New York Immigration Coalition Murad Awawdeh added this tactic forces people into the shadows. Even those seeking protection under the law are now facing injustice.”
Velázquez said the bill has gained broad support in Congress, and a similar version is expected to be introduced in the Senate soon. “We will keep fighting,” she affirmed. “Transparency and accountability must be restored in immigration enforcement.”
