By Black Star News
Photos: YouTube Screenshots
The Center for American Progress (CAP) has issued a brief which they say, “outlines how the Trump administration has undermined both public safety and officer safety by deploying masked and unidentifiable Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal law enforcement officers to conduct immigration enforcement.”
Allie Preston, the senior policy analyst for Criminal Justice Reform at CAP and author of the brief released the following statement:
“When federal law enforcement agents are unidentifiable, it creates a climate of fear and distrust within communities and paves the way for dangerous impersonations. The safety of our communities depends on trust and transparency, and this practice creates serious safety risks for both law enforcement officers themselves and the public. It’s in the best interest of federal and state officials to restore accountability and ensure that all law enforcement officers operate in a way that protects, rather than endangers, the public.”
CAP also highlights the troubling reality that “In cities nationwide, these unidentifiable agents in plainclothes, face coverings, and unmarked vehicles have engaged in aggressive tactics, including swinging batons, smashing car windows, using explosives, shooting into vehicles, and grabbing people off of the street. These actions hinder accountability, undermine public safety, and erode community trust.”
The Center for American Progress also warns of the dangers of the domestic militarization of federal troops, and details several steps that must be implemented to control ICE and federal troops:
“These actions signal a troubling move “away from democratic controls,” where officers are visible and accountable to the communities they serve, and toward militarization that serves to instill fear and stifle dissent. The issue brief outlines recommendations for federal legislation to ensure that ICE and other federal law enforcement agents are properly identifiable, including:
(1) Ensuring that laws related to identification apply to all necessary contexts
(2) Restricting the use of nonmedical masks and facial coverings
(3) Requiring officers to clearly display agency designation and personal identification
(4) Implementing a duty to intervene or mandatory reporting related to mask use and identification
(4) Creating accountability and enforcement mechanisms
To Support our independent investigative journalism contributions are welcome via Cashapp to: $BlackStarNews
Also support Black Star News by buying merch from our brand new Black Star Store!
