1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

As both a U.S. Navy veteran and a mental health professional, I am writing to express my deepest concern about a dangerous practice that is unfolding in our communities: plainclothes ICE agents refusing to identify themselves while making arrests in public spaces. Time and again, we see bystanders intervene when they believe they are witnessing an abduction. This is not speculation: recent news reports from Florida, Oregon, Maryland, and even abroad highlight good Samaritans physically stepping in to stop what they believe is a kidnapping. This instinct to help is natural, and as someone trained to respond under stress, I know how automatic that reaction can be. The problem is clear: when ICE agents operate without visible identification and without verbal confirmation of their role, their actions are indistinguishable from an abduction. If a civilian steps in to “rescue” someone screaming for help, the results could be catastrophic. A bystander thinks they are stopping a kidnapping; ICE interprets it as an assault on a federal officer. Guns are drawn. People panic. Someone’s loved one doesn’t make it home. This is a powder keg waiting to explode, and it is entirely preventable. No law enforcement operation should ever create conditions that confuse the public into believing a crime is happening. ICE agents must be required to clearly identify themselves (with visible credentials, marked clothing, or other unmistakable indicators) when operating in public spaces. As a veteran, I swore an oath to protect my countrymen. As a mental health professional, I understand how people react under stress. I am telling you plainly: it only takes one person acting on their instinct to help for this to end in bloodshed. I urge you to take immediate legislative or oversight action to ensure ICE agents are visibly identifiable in all public operations. This is not about politics. This is about public safety, preventing needless violence, and protecting both civilians and law enforcement from a situation that should never occur in the first place. This is preventable. Please act before we learn about the first tragedy on the evening news.