1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

Dear The Honorable Senator Watson, I am writing to express my support for SB0001 (Public Safety – Law Enforcement Officers – Prohibition on Face Coverings). As concerns grow about the conduct of federal immigration enforcement, it is imperative that lawmakers establish clear safety and accountability measures to prevent abuse and to deter individuals who may impersonate law enforcement in order to assault, kidnap, or traffic people under the guise of immigration enforcement. With the administration and the Department of Justice increasingly targeting Maryland and other states, establishing clear ground rules for transparency and accountability is more important now than ever. Law enforcement officers acting on behalf of the public have no legitimate need to conceal their identities. Allowing face coverings undermines public trust and risks normalizing practices associated with secret policing, which run counter to democratic principles and the rule of law. Sincerely, A Concerned Citizen