ICE Director Says Agents Will Be Allowed To Continue Covering Their Faces Despite Backlash

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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting Director Todd Lyons said agents will be allowed to continue covering their faces during operations if it contributes to their security.

The official made the claim as the agency faces backlash for limiting the identification of personnel during operations that are often mired with claims of abuse.

Speaking to CBS News' "Face the Nation," Lyons said that even though he is "not a proponent of the masks," if that's a "tool that the men and women of ICE to keep themselves and their family safe, then I will allow it."

The official went on to say that agents have been "severely doxed" and there has also been an increase of physical attacks on many of them. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said this week that agents are "facing an 830% increase in assaults against them."

Earlier this month, Democratic lawmakers introduced a bill preventing agents from covering their faces while conducting immigration enforcement operations.

Introduced by New York Rep. Nydia Velazquez, the No Masks for ICE Act would make it illegal for federal agents to cover their faces in this context unless they are necessary for their safety or health. It would also require them to display their names and agency affiliation on their clothes. The Department of Homeland Security would have to set up discipline procedures for those who don't comply and submit an annual report to Congress.

"When agents are masked and anonymous, you cannot have accountability," said California Rep. Laura Friedman. "That's not how democracy works. That's not how our country works."

The initiative mirrors one by California lawmakers, which would make it a misdemeanor for local and state law enforcement officers to cover their faces during official duties.