The Colorado Attorney General’s Office joined a coalition of state attorneys general in urging Congress to ban the use of masked and plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents during arrests.

The letter, signed by 21 Democratic attorneys general, urges members of the U.S. House and Senate to consider legislation that would prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks to conceal their identities and require them to display identification.

U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., has introduced the VISIBLE Act, which would require immigration enforcement officers to display visible identification during enforcement actions. The bill has been introduced and is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“It is shocking that we have reached a point in America where such a common-sense set of measures must be enshrined into law,” the attorneys general wrote. “But in light of recent events, such legislation is necessary to protect the public, ensure accountability, and preserve the reputation and effectiveness of law enforcement at every level of government.”

Federal immigration agents have faced growing criticism in recent months for conducting operations in unmarked vehicles, wearing civilian clothing, and wearing masks — a trend that has reportedly increased during the Trump administration. Additionally, there have been claims that ICE agents have refused to identify themselves during raids. However, according to an ICE spokesperson, all agents are required to wear easily identifiable badges during enforcement operations. There are also federal regulations in place requiring agents to identify themselves “as soon as it is practical and safe to do so.”

The agency has defended the use of masks, arguing they’re necessary to protect agents’ safety and prevent doxxing.  

“In Colorado, we promote responsible and trustworthy law enforcement through transparency and well-trained professionals subject to appropriate oversight,” said Weiser. “By contrast, secretive enforcement tactics, other than in exceptional situations, undermine public trust, threaten public safety, and violate the principle that law enforcement officers must be identifiable and accountable to the people they serve. Congress must act now to protect that trust, safeguard public safety, and ensure that all enforcement operations uphold our democratic values.”