House Speaker Mike Johnson responded sharply to calls from some Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, for ICE agents to reveal their identities while carrying out arrests. Johnson, speaking to Fox News, pointed out that these same Democrats were the ones who enforced mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling their current stance "absurd."
The discussion arose when Jeffries and others suggested that ICE agents should not wear masks while apprehending migrants. Johnson questioned this logic, stating, "From the people who mandated mask wearing for years in America. It’s absurd." He argued that ICE agents need to be protected from being targeted by activists, emphasizing their role in enforcing the law.
Jeffries, in his comments, insisted that ICE agents who conceal their identities will ultimately be identified, regardless of the measures taken. He highlighted the importance of transparency among law enforcement officials, arguing that it is essential for public accountability.
Johnson countered this by expressing concern that revealing the identities of ICE agents could lead to harassment or violence against them and their families. He stated, "We have to protect those who protect our communities," stressing the need for safety protocols for law enforcement.
The exchange reflects a broader debate over immigration enforcement and the role of ICE. Some Democratic leaders, including Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine from Virginia, have raised alarms about masked ICE officers making arrests in public spaces, claiming it endangers both the individuals being arrested and the officers themselves. They have called for clearer identification for ICE agents during operations.
As tensions rise over immigration policy, the clash between Johnson and Jeffries highlights the ongoing divisions in Congress regarding how to approach law enforcement and public safety in the context of immigration.