New York Looking to Ban ICE Agents From Wearing Masks

New York lawmakers are pushing to unmask federal agents, including those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), so they will no longer be able to hide their identities while on duty.

Several New York lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would stop federal agents, including those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, from wearing masks and hiding their identities while on duty. The bill would require agents to be identifiable while on duty and aims to rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement, according to WTEN.

ICE Agents Unmasked in New York?

The MELT Act would require agents to not only uncover their faces but would also require them to display a visible marker on their uniforms identifying which organization they represent. Assembly member Tony Simone and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander introduced the Mandating End of Lawless Tactics Act on July 9th, 2025, citing the public's concerns about agent accountability and fear in many New York communities.

MELT Act in New York

If passed, the MELT Act would require law enforcement agents to uncover their faces so they can be clearly identifiable by the public. Officers and agents would be prohibited from wearing masks and would need to display a name, badge number, or other visible marker on their uniforms while at work within New York State borders.

An officer who violates the MELT Act could be charged with a misdemeanor.

Mask Exemptions

The bill would allow agents to wear masks under specific conditions, including medical-grade masks that block airborne disease or biological or chemical agents, for fire and smoke protection, for water rescues, and weather-related emergencies.

SWAT team officers would also be permitted to use defensive gear that covers their faces.

Supporters of the new bill, including sponsor Brad Lander, the former candidate for NYC mayor who was arrested outside immigration court by masked federal officers in June, highlighted the importance of the rule of law when speaking about the bill.

He stated that order in society depends on "clear rules, visible enforcers, and accountability", and that masked police “strike fear” into the hearts of asylees and immigrants.

The bill, which doesn't have a Senate version and has yet to be assigned a number at the Capitol, hopes to rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement.