John,

In a democracy, law enforcement power must be visible, accountable, and derived from the consent of the governed -- not wielded from the shadows.

But across the country, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are operating like a secret police force. Masked agents wearing no identification have been seen jumping out of unmarked vehicles to detain peaceful protesters and community members without explanation, without warrants, and without regard for due process.

In Los Angeles, ICE has targeted immigrant communities in early morning raids, using plainclothes officers and unmarked cars to avoid public scrutiny. In Portland, unidentifiable agents pulled demonstrators off the streets into waiting vans. These tactics aren’t isolated -- they reflect a disturbing national pattern.

This is not how law enforcement is conducted in a democratic country. It is the behavior of authoritarian regimes.

There should be no secret police in America. Tell Congress and state legislatures to require identification on uniforms and vehicles and ban masks on ICE agents while conducting neighborhood enforcement actions now.

In a free society, no one should fear being taken from their neighborhood by masked agents who answer to no one. No enforcement officer should be allowed to hide their identity from the people whom they serve, who must be treated with dignity and respect even when being placed under arrest. Hiding officers’ identities is an invitation to brutality and abuse.

Uniformed identification must be required for officers, and masks prohibited during arrests. Vehicles used in enforcement actions must be clearly marked.

That’s why lawmakers in California are advancing legislation that would ban the use of masks and require ICE and all law enforcement officers to display clear identification when making arrests. This is necessary to restore transparency and rebuild public trust. Other states -- and Congress -- must act as well.

We must make it unmistakably clear: There is no place for a secret police in the United States. Democracy requires nothing less than that those who hold power do so openly, and with the people’s trust.

Demand Congress and state legislatures require accountability and transparency of ICE and all law enforcement officers.

Thank you for standing up for democratic control over law enforcement.

- DFA AF Team