New York officials and state legislators announced on Wednesday (July 9) a new law aimed at prohibiting US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers from wearing masks while enforcing the law in New York City. This behavior is not only illegal but also causes panic in the community. The day before, city officials in New York also advised immigrants not to attend immigration court and instead hide.
According to reports from ABC and CBS television stations, the proposed law is called the Mandating End of Lawless Tactics (MELT) Act, introduced by City Comptroller Brad Lander, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levin, and State Assemblyman Tony Simone. They stated that the law is a direct response to the recent increase in funding for ICE, which would strengthen ICE’s presence in New York City.
“When police officers wear masks, democracy loses its face,” said Simone at a press conference. “I introduced the MELT Act to prevent law enforcement officers from intimidating our communities by not wearing masks. No badge, no name, no rules – this behavior must stop.”
Lander discussed the dangers of masked ICE officers. “As this legislator clearly pointed out, the purpose of doing this is to instill fear in asylum seekers and immigrants, hoping they will be intimidated by these masked gangs trying to catch and abduct them,” Lander said.
Lander was previously arrested on June 17 during a confrontation with ICE officers as he accompanied a defendant out of the courtroom.
Levin stated, “The fundamental principle behind all of this is transparency and accountability.”
On Wednesday, President Trump expressed opposition to similar laws during a White House press briefing. “These officers do a fantastic job. They are great patriots,” President Trump said. “By exposing them due to the rhetoric of the Democratic Party and other leftists, you are putting them in great danger.”
The Department of Homeland Security stated in a release, “Vile remarks directed at our brave law enforcement officers have led to a 700% increase in attacks against them.” Additionally, ICE officers verbally identify themselves and wear uniform vests during enforcement operations. “When our brave law enforcement officers carry out their duties, they clearly indicate their law enforcement identity.”
The day before, Lander, along with Congressman Dan Goldman and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, visited the federal building to observe the immigration court situation. They found that some immigrants appearing in court face arrest by ICE regardless of the ruling.
Officials described the federal building as a “kidnapping trap,” urging immigrants to simply not attend their court hearings to avoid detention by federal agents.
Last month, ICE announced a daily mission to arrest 3,000 people; it is estimated that the agency apprehended over 100,000 individuals in early June.