In a pointed exchange on Sunday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan reportedly defended the agency’s practice of wearing masks during enforcement operations, citing a significant increase in attacks against ICE agents.
During an interview on Politico’s “The Conversation,” Homan responded to questions about the necessity of ICE agents wearing masks, stating, “We never had the scale of attacks on ICE we have now—up 700%.”
He emphasized that the decision to wear masks was a protective measure for agents and their families, who have been subjected to doxing and threats.
Homan contrasted the situation with that of police officers, noting that while there has been a surge in attacks on law enforcement, there has been no comparable push to ban police from wearing masks.
He questioned why similar scrutiny was not applied to other masked individuals, such as protesters, suggesting a double standard.
The ICE director expressed strong support for the agency’s use of masks, asserting that they serve as a necessary protective measure without compromising the agents’ identities.
🚨NEW: Tom Homan *STEAMROLLS* Politico's Dasha Burns when she casts doubt on need for ICE to wear masks🚨
BURNS: "I think one of the things that's had a lot of folks up in arms is that ICE agents — unlike other law enforcement — have been masked to protect their identities.… pic.twitter.com/41lSuEhbEu
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) July 13, 2025
He highlighted the unprecedented nature of the current threats faced by ICE personnel and underscored the importance of ensuring their safety while they perform their duties.
Homan’s comments come amid ongoing debates over the role and conduct of federal immigration enforcement agencies.
While some lawmakers have introduced legislation seeking to restrict ICE agents from wearing masks during operations, citing concerns over transparency and accountability, others argue that such measures are essential to protect the safety and privacy of law enforcement personnel.
The discussion reflects broader tensions surrounding immigration enforcement and the balance between ensuring public safety and protecting the rights of individuals.
As the debate continues, the issue of ICE agents wearing masks remains a point of contention, highlighting the complexities involved in addressing concerns about both security and civil liberties.
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