1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

YES on the VISIBLE ACT 2025 HR4928 It’s about public safety. If a person claiming to be an ICE agent refuses to show a warrant, refuses to provide identification, and refuses to display their face or badge number, or warrant, what distinguishes them from a vigilante or a kidnapper? In a country founded on constitutional checks and balances, the idea that law enforcement can disappear people without oversight is dangerous. Without identification, the public has no way to verify their (agents’) legitimacy. When people are accosted or attacked by masked, unidentified individuals, the natural, human response is panic, fight or flight. This is especially true for populations that have experienced or are at risk of being overpowered and harmed by masked violent criminals. When we encounter these people, our instinct is not to say “ICE”, or “law enforcement”, but to say “Violent criminal! Run or fight for you life.” The addition of weapons, tactical gear, and military garb do not add to our level of comfort, but add to our instinctive response of self preservation. They just make the apparent violent criminals seem more dangerous. This instinctive response of “fight or flight” is then interpreted as resistance, or an attack on the ICE personnel, and used as justification for escalating brutality, when de-escalating would be more appropriate. Law enforcement (ICE…) is there to protect the common defense…to serve and protect….Done properly, and with the proper intent, it creates respect, honor and admiration for the agency or institution. The current tactics of DHS/CPB/ICE including masking/no ID etc. are not protecting the public; they are harming us all. This anonymity is fostering a lack of oversight, licence instead of law, and increasing violence. If ICE agents can’t do their jobs in a way that preserves their respect, unmasked and with identification, then perhaps they need to find other employment. ICE purportedly exists for “public safety”; the cure is far worse than the “disease.” Vote yes on the VISIBLE Act 2025 HR4948