Border Czar Tom Homan has rejected calls from Democrats for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to remove their masks while on duty, stating that the demand is part of negotiations to end the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown. Homan argued that the masks are necessary for officer safety amid increased threats.
Speaking to WABC's Cats & Cosby, Homan said, “You want us to take off the mask? Well, you know what, no, we’re not.” He blamed Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, for what he described as hateful rhetoric that has led to a rise in threats against ICE officers. Homan claimed death threats had increased by 8,000 per cent and actual threats by 1,400 per cent.
Democrats have been pushing for regulations on immigration enforcement as part of talks to reopen DHS, which has been shut down for over 40 days. They argue that allowing officers to wear masks removes accountability and creates fear among the public. However, Homan and Republicans maintain that the masks are a protective measure against doxxing and violence.
Homan acknowledged that he personally dislikes the masks but said they are necessary for security. He also noted that President Donald Trump, while supportive of masks for enforcement actions, requested that ICE officers leave them off when assisting at airports to reduce long security queues.
At least ten states have passed laws prohibiting immigration officers from wearing masks while on duty. In response to a recent New Jersey law, a DHS spokesperson called it “unconstitutional” and said the department would not comply.
