NY Lawmakers Introduce 'No Secret Police Act' to Ban Masked Arrests

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Key Takeaways

• No Secret Police Act bans ICE agents from wearing masks during civil immigration enforcement except health or tactical needs.
• The bill requires clear agent identification and mandates new technology to ensure badge visibility in poor conditions.
• Introduced June 26, 2025, by Reps. Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat to protect immigrant communities from secretive arrests.

As of June 30, 2025, lawmakers in New York are at the center of a national debate over the use of masks by law enforcement officers, especially those working for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The most prominent legislative response is the “No Secret Police Act,” which aims to ban ICE and other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents from wearing masks during civil immigration enforcement, except in specific situations. This move comes after a series of incidents where masked, plainclothes ICE agents arrested people at or near immigration courts in New York, sparking fear and confusion in immigrant communities.

This article explains what the No Secret Police Act is, why it was introduced, how it would work, and what it means for immigrants, law enforcement, and the public. We’ll also look at related state and federal efforts, the background behind these proposals, and what might happen next.

NY Lawmakers Introduce ‘No Secret Police Act’ to Ban Masked Arrests

What Is the No Secret Police Act and Why Was It Introduced?

The No Secret Police Act is a federal bill set to be introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on June 26, 2025, by New York Democrats Rep. Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13). The bill’s main goal is to stop ICE and other DHS officers from wearing masks or face coverings during civil immigration enforcement, unless there’s a health emergency or a tactical need, such as a SWAT operation or a dangerous environment.

Key Provisions of the No Secret Police Act:

Ban on Masks: ICE and DHS agents cannot wear masks or face coverings during civil immigration enforcement, except for health or tactical reasons.
Mandatory Identification: Agents must clearly display their official identification, agency insignia, and uniforms or badges during enforcement actions.
Agency-Specific Identification: Officers must identify which DHS agency they work for, such as ICE or Customs and Border Protection.
Technology Development: The DHS Secretary must direct research to create technology that keeps officer identifiers visible in all conditions, like poor lighting or bad weather.

The bill was introduced because of growing concern over ICE agents arresting people while masked and in plainclothes. Lawmakers say these tactics remind people of secret police in authoritarian countries and make it hard for the public to know who is enforcing the law. According to Rep. Dan Goldman, “This isn’t about protecting law enforcement, it’s about terrorizing immigrant communities. The United States 🇺🇸 is not a dictatorship, and I’m proud to introduce this commonsense legislation ensuring that our federal government’s laws are enforced by identifiable human beings, not anonymous, secret agents of the state.”

Rep. Adriano Espaillat added, “DHS and ICE agents wearing masks and hiding identification echoes the tactics of secret police authoritarian regimes… If you are upholding the law, you should not be anonymous, and our bill aims to safeguard from tyranny while upholding the values of our nation.”

ICE’s Response and Legal Context

ICE has defended the use of masks, saying agents need to protect themselves and their families from being targeted or “doxxed” (having their personal information shared online). However, the New York City Bar Association has argued that ICE agents wearing face coverings may violate federal rules that require officers to identify themselves “as soon as it is practical and safe to do so” during an arrest, according to Title 8 of the U.S. Code.

Related Federal and State Legislation

The No Secret Police Act is not the only bill addressing this issue. Rep. Nydia Velázquez (NY) has introduced the “No Masks For ICE Act,” which has similar provisions. This bill would also ban ICE agents from wearing face coverings during arrests and require them to clearly display their name and agency. Rep. Velázquez held a news conference outside the Federal Plaza Immigration Court in New York on June 28, 2025, to highlight the need for this legislation, pointing to recent masked ICE operations as a reason for concern.

Other New York representatives, including Jerry Nadler, legal experts, and immigration advocates, have voiced support for these bills. They argue that clear identification is necessary for accountability and public trust.

On the state level, New York lawmakers have introduced the Anti-Masked Harassment Bill (A3133). This bill was introduced on January 23, 2025, and aims to bring back and update New York’s anti-masked harassment law, which was repealed during the COVID-19 pandemic for public health reasons. The law’s purpose is to stop masked intimidation and violence, referencing both historical examples like the Ku Klux Klan and recent events such as the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

As of June 2025, the state bill is active and has been referred to the Assembly Committee on Codes. Advocacy groups, unions, and immigrant rights organizations are pushing for its quick passage.

Background: Why Are Masked Arrests a Problem?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, many states, including New York, had anti-mask laws to prevent groups from using masks to intimidate or commit violence. These laws were suspended or repealed during the pandemic to allow people to wear masks for health reasons.

Since 2023, there has been a noticeable increase in ICE and DHS agents conducting arrests while masked and in plainclothes, especially at or near immigration courts in New York and other major cities. These tactics have caused confusion and fear in immigrant communities. Sometimes, bystanders have mistaken these arrests for kidnappings because the agents were not clearly identified.

Immigration advocates say that when officers are not easily recognized, it makes it harder for people to know their rights or to report possible abuse. It also increases fear and distrust of law enforcement in communities that already feel vulnerable.

How Would the No Secret Police Act Work?

If the No Secret Police Act becomes law, here’s what would happen:

Enactment: The bill would need to pass both the House and Senate and be signed by the President.
Implementation: DHS would issue new rules banning non-tactical, non-health-related face coverings for ICE and other DHS agents during civil enforcement.
Identification: Agents would have to display their agency, name, and badge during all enforcement actions, except in situations where health or tactical needs require masks.
Technology Development: DHS would start research and development to improve the visibility of uniforms and insignia, making sure they can be seen in all conditions.
Oversight: DHS and possibly outside groups would monitor compliance. Agents who break the rules could face disciplinary action.

Who Supports and Who Opposes These Changes?

Supporters: Many lawmakers from New York, legal experts, and immigration advocates support the No Secret Police Act and similar bills. They say these laws are needed to restore transparency, accountability, and public trust in law enforcement. They also argue that clear identification helps protect the rights of immigrants and the public.
ICE and Some Law Enforcement: ICE leadership and some law enforcement groups oppose the mask ban, saying it puts agents at risk of being targeted or harassed. They argue that anonymity is sometimes necessary for safety, especially in sensitive cases.
Legal Experts: The New York City Bar Association and other legal experts suggest that current ICE practices may already violate federal identification requirements.
Immigrant Communities: Many people in immigrant communities feel that masked arrests increase fear and confusion, making it harder to trust law enforcement or seek help when needed.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

The proposed laws aim to make law enforcement more transparent and accountable. By requiring officers to be clearly identified, lawmakers hope to reduce the risk of abuse and restore public trust. At the same time, the bills allow exceptions for health emergencies and tactical operations, trying to balance officer safety with the need for transparency.

The federal bill’s call for new technology to keep officer identifiers visible shows a commitment to making these changes work in real life, even when conditions are tough.

Legal Compliance

The No Secret Police Act and related bills are designed to match existing federal rules that say officers must identify themselves during arrests. By making these requirements clearer and adding penalties for violations, lawmakers hope to make sure law enforcement follows the law.

Broader Reform Movement in New York

These efforts are part of a larger push in New York and across the United States 🇺🇸 to limit cooperation between local and state police and federal immigration enforcement. For example, the “New York for All Act” seeks to end voluntary cooperation between local police and ICE, further protecting immigrant communities from what many see as overreach by federal authorities.

What Happens Next?

As of late June 2025, the No Secret Police Act and similar bills are in the early stages of the legislative process. They will need to go through committee reviews, possible changes, and votes in both the House and Senate before they can become law. The outcome will depend on political support, public opinion, and ongoing advocacy from both supporters and opponents.

At the state level, New York’s anti-masked harassment bill is under committee review. Advocacy from unions, immigrant rights groups, and legal experts is strong, and many are hopeful for quick passage.

Practical Guidance for Immigrants and the Public

If you or someone you know is concerned about masked arrests or ICE enforcement actions, here are some practical steps:

Know Your Rights: You have the right to ask law enforcement officers for identification. Under current federal rules, officers must identify themselves as soon as it is safe to do so.
Report Concerns: If you witness or experience an arrest by masked, unidentified officers, report it to local legal aid groups or advocacy organizations.
Stay Informed: Follow updates on the No Secret Police Act and related bills through official government websites, such as congress.gov, which provides the latest information on federal legislation.
Seek Legal Help: If you are facing immigration enforcement, contact a trusted legal aid group or immigration attorney for advice.

Official Resources

For more information about the No Secret Police Act, related bills, and your rights, you can visit:

Conclusion: What’s at Stake?

The debate over the No Secret Police Act and related laws is about more than just masks. It’s about how law enforcement interacts with the public, especially in immigrant communities. Supporters say these laws are needed to prevent abuse, protect rights, and restore trust. Opponents worry about officer safety and the risks of making agents too easy to identify.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the outcome of these legislative efforts could set a new standard for how immigration enforcement is carried out in New York and across the United States 🇺🇸. The next few months will be critical as lawmakers, advocates, and the public continue to debate the best way to balance safety, transparency, and accountability in immigration enforcement.

For now, immigrants, advocates, and law enforcement alike are watching closely to see what happens next—and how these changes could affect the daily lives of thousands of people in New York and beyond.

Learn Today

No Secret Police Act → A federal bill banning ICE agents from wearing masks except for health or tactical reasons during immigration enforcement.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) → A U.S. federal agency enforcing immigration laws and conducting civil immigration arrests.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) → The federal department overseeing agencies like ICE and Customs and Border Protection.
Masked Arrests → Civil immigration arrests conducted by agents wearing masks, causing fear and confusion among immigrant communities.
Doxxing → The act of publicly sharing private personal information, exposing agents to potential threats.

This Article in a Nutshell

The No Secret Police Act aims to stop masked ICE agents from hiding identities during civil arrests, restoring transparency and trust in immigrant communities nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com