DHS Secretary Noem announced that federal agents in Minnesota will begin wearing body cameras. This comes after the world has been outraged about their behavior in U.S. communities — behavior that resulted in death and serious bodily injury.
Lynn Tramonte, Executive Director of the Ohio Immigrant Alliance, said: “Unmask ICE and the Border Patrol. It is unacceptable to have masked ‘law enforcement’ officers roaming our streets, carrying guns, to enforce civil immigration laws. They have brought chaos and death to local communities. Body cameras are a small concession, but this doesn’t mean a thing unless the government agrees to quickly release unedited footage. Given this administration’s track record on transparency, we don’t have any reason to believe they will. They also need to remove the masks, and require agents to wear standard uniforms and show ID. Professionalism and integrity in law enforcement requires this. Right now, ICE and the Border Patrol are using criminal tactics to harass and arrest our community members. They are also emboldening and empowering criminals, who are copying their actions to harm people.”
Last week, the Springfield City Commission unanimously passed Resolution 6305, “Urging federal law enforcement operating in Springfield to comply with city policies on masks and officer identification, and declaring an emergency therein.” According to the meeting notes, “Mayor Rue moved to approve a resolution urging all federal law enforcement operating in the City of Springfield, Ohio, to comply with City policies, ordinances, and police operational requirements, including those related to masks and officer identification. He stated that adherence to these requirements is requested to protect public safety and promote accountability.”…