ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Some New York lawmakers are pushing a new bill aimed at stopping federal agents—including those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement—from wearing masks and hiding their identities while on duty. Assemblymember Tony Simone introduced the Mandating End of Lawless Tactics Act alongside New York City Comptroller Brad Lander on Wednesday, citing concerns about accountability and fear in communities.
The proposed MELT Act would require law enforcement agents to be clearly identifiable. The bill would make officers and agents at all levels uncover their faces and display a name, badge number, or other visible marker on their uniforms while at work within state borders. An officer who violates the act could be charged with a misdemeanor.
The bill carves out exemptions for medical-grade masks that block airborne disease or biological or chemical agents, masks for fire and smoke protection, masks for water rescues, and masks for cold during a declared weather emergency. It also lets SWAT team officers use defensive gear that covers their faces.
Why did New York first ban masks?
Articulating a need for transparency, proponents said the proposal would rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement. The push follows the passage of OBBBA, the federal budget reconciliation bill allocating $45 billion for immigration detention centers and about $30 billion more to hire new ICE personnel and maintain facilities. Backers of the MELT Act have characterized that OBBBA bill as ammunition for a police state…