HARTFORD – Members of the Senate Democratic Caucus today wrote Connecticut’s Congressional delegation (letter attached) urging them to support the passage of the “No Masks For Ice Act,” a federal bill introduced in June by Congresswoman Nydia M. Velazquez (D-N.Y.) that would prohibit Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from wearing facial coverings during their interactions with the public, and require them to wear clothing displaying their name and affiliation with ICE.
Senate Democrats cited recent examples of federal ICE agents carrying out raids in New Haven and Danbury while wearing facial coverings, in plain clothes, and driving unmarked vehicles. Senate Democrats noted that such actions hinder police accountability, create fear and confusion among the public, foster intimidation, and are antithetical to democracy.
“That is the hallmark of an authoritarian government, not a democracy … In authoritarian countries like Venezuela, Brazil, Iran and Nicaragua, law enforcement officers routinely cover their faces. Order established through violence, intimidation and force is not democratic, does not result in justice, and endangers the safety of the entire nation,” Senate Democrats wrote. “It is of the utmost importance to our democracy, to the future of this country, and to the welfare of our citizens that this unprecedented use of intimidation tactics be severely curtailed immediately.”
“Mask-wearing by law enforcement suggests vigilantism and a fear of accountability that mostly occurs in nations not fully committed to democracy or the protection of individual rights such as those embodied in our Bill of Rights – the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution,” said Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven).
“It’s important at this moment in time that we all stand up for American rights and American values. I can only recall reading about this type of masked, anonymous activity in history books, and it usually occurred in other countries. Unfortunately, it’s now here in America,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “I hope this letter gives others the courage to speak up and demand the same.”
“Seeing masked men grabbing people on our streets is very terrorizing – not just for the people being detained, but for the general public as well. It’s reminiscent of the Gestapo in Nazi Germany,” said state Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury). “In my opinion, Congress cannot pass this bill soon enough.”
Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) today called for the U.S. House of Representatives to recess early for the summer beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, July 23, though the House is expected to reconvene on September 2.
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