Readers Say
“It all comes down to accountability,” one of over 780 respondents said.
A deportation officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducts a brief before an early morning operation, Dec. 17, 2024, in the Bronx borough of New York. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)
By Annie Jonas
July 10, 2025 | 8:48 AM
7 minutes to read
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A bill filed by a Massachusetts lawmaker to prohibit law enforcement officers — including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents — from covering their faces is favored by hundreds of Boston.com readers.
On Monday, State Rep. James Hawkins, a Democrat representing Attleboro, filed HD.4886 to prevent local, state, or federal law enforcement officers in the Commonwealth from wearing “any mask or personal disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties.”
Exceptions would be given for medical masks and for SWAT teams, and officers would also be required to display their “name or badge number on their uniforms.” Violating the proposed law would result in a misdemeanor.
While the bill does not name ICE specifically, Hawkins told Boston.com he felt pulled to file the bill after hearing about ICE arrests in his city of Attleboro, on top of outrage over the arrests of students Rümeysa Öztürk and Marcelo Gomes da Silva.
“These are things that are important and damn, that’s worth it. This isn’t a quiet bill, but that’s why I’m doing this. When I see something that’s bothering me, I have to do something,” he said in a phone interview.
Hawkins said he believes the use of masks by ICE agents instills fear in communities rather than trust, and exhibits a lack of accountability.
“What do they have to hide?,” he said.
When we asked readers to weigh in on ICE agents wearing masks, 60% (471 readers) of the 784 respondents said they strongly disapproved, while 32% (253 readers) said they strongly approved. Just 8% of readers combined fell in the middle.
“Just as police show their faces during an arrest, ICE agents should be required to clearly identify themselves and have their faces visible,” reader Nancy O. from Marblehead said.
Phil S. from Waltham agreed, underscoring that “transparency and accountability are essential — law enforcement should serve openly and honestly, not in secrecy or deception.”
Others said banning masks doesn’t go far enough.
“They should also be wearing body cams and identifying themselves. There is no need to hide your identity if you are performing your job correctly and legally,” reader Charles L. from Newburyport said.
In response to the criticism, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said at a June press conference that agents covered their faces for their safety. Safety was a common concern among readers who said they strongly approve of agents wearing masks.