1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

Recent measures taken by federal immigration agencies have raised concerns about transparency and accountability. The VISIBLE Act, introduced by Senators Booker and Padilla, seeks to address these issues by requiring immigration enforcement officers to display legible identification and prohibiting them from wearing face coverings that obscure their identity during operations. This bill aims to prevent exploitation of panic and confusion caused by unidentifiable agents, and promote public trust in law enforcement. The lack of visible identification and uniform standards has created confusion and stoked fear among communities, undermining trust in these agencies. By mandating that ICE agents and other immigration officers display their agency name/initials and name/badge number visibly, the VISIBLE Act brings much-needed transparency to their activities. Additionally, prohibiting the use of masks or other coverings that conceal identity is a crucial step towards accountability. Implementing disciplinary procedures for violations and requiring compliance reports to Congress further strengthens oversight mechanisms. This legislation is a timely and necessary measure to uphold civil liberties and prevent potential abuse of authority by immigration enforcement agencies. I urge you to support the VISIBLE Act and prioritize restoring public confidence in these critical operations through increased visibility and accountability measures.