Reject the Blackburn Bill Criminalizing Public Accountability of ICE”

I am writing to express strong opposition to Senator Marsha Blackburn’s proposed bill that would criminalize the disclosure of the identities of ICE agents and federal law enforcement officers. This bill is unconstitutional, dangerous, and contrary to democratic values. The First Amendment protects the right to publish information about public officials, including law enforcement officers, especially when gathered from lawful and public sources. ICE agents are not covert operatives—they act in the name of the public and should remain subject to public scrutiny. Shielding their identities criminalizes lawful speech and chills reporting that holds government power accountable. This bill would make it harder to expose misconduct and corruption within ICE, an agency with a troubling record of rights violations. It would also protect potential extremists within its ranks, at a time when connections between law enforcement, the January 6 insurrection, and groups like the Proud Boys have already been exposed. The public has a right—and a duty—to identify and call out such dangers. I urge you to stand against this legislation. We must protect transparency, not destroy it in the name of secrecy. Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter.