Harrisburg, PA − July 25, 2025 −Yesterday afternoon, Senator Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-Montgomery/Delaware) and Senator Nikil Saval (D-Philadelphia) announced their intent to introduce legislation to prohibit the use of face coverings by law enforcement agents while acting within the scope of their duties.
In recent months, communities across the country have experienced a sharp increase in civil immigration enforcement operations carried out by heavily armed officers who mask or disguise their appearances while engaging with members of the public. This has sown fear and confusion in communities, while also creating situations primed for abuses of power and deception.
The legislation to be introduced by Senators Cappelletti and Saval will seek to ensure a foundation of trust and communication in all interactions with law enforcement and the legal system.
“True public safety is only possible when our communities trust, respect, and value their law enforcement agencies,” said Senator Cappelletti. “What we’re witnessing from ICE in our communities runs counter to that mission. Our legislation aims to promote transparency and accountability across all law enforcement, while centering the collective safety and wellbeing of the public. Reasonable exceptions are included—such as the use of face coverings to prevent the spread of airborne viruses.”
Both Senator Cappelletti and Senator Saval’s districts have been impacted by the President’s mass deportation efforts conducted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, commonly known as ICE. In Norristown, where Senator Cappelletti represents, ICE recently arrested 14 community members at a popular supermarket. Video linked in the article captured by bystanders shows nearly every ICE agent was using a face covering to conceal their identity at the time of the raid.
“Our communities are living in fear as anonymous, unidentifiable law enforcement officers separate loved ones, attack workers and small businesses, and hollow out our public spaces,” said Senator Saval. “Public safety requires a foundation of trust and communication, and this cannot be achieved when officers conceal their appearances and identities during the course of their duties. This bill will help increase transparency and accountability, for the safety of all involved.”
Reports of people posing as ICE agents have increased across the country, in many instances taking advantage of the current climate to use the guise and anonymity of ICE to commit crimes. In June in Northeast Philly, a 54-year-old man impersonated an ICE agent during a robbery at an automobile shop. The man identified himself as an ICE agent and then zip-tied the hands of a woman working at the business, stole about $1,000 in cash, and fled in an unmarked white van. This incident underscores the importance of law enforcement practices rooted in transparency and public accountability.
Key provisions of the legislation will include:
- Mandatory Identification: Law enforcement officers and agents acting within the scope of their duties must wear clearly visible identification that includes:
- A badge with name, badge number, and department or agency
- A department- or agency-issued uniform
- Prohibition on Masking: Officers and agents acting within the scope of their duties may not wear masks, facial coverings, or other garments that obscure their identity.
- Criminal Penalties: Officers and agents who violate these provisions will be subject to criminal penalties.
- Civil Penalties: Failure to identify or concealing identity may be grounds for a civil cause of action.
Appropriate exceptions will include:
- Surgical or N95 respirators designed to prevent the transmission of airborne diseases,
- Undercover officers or agents investigating serious criminal conduct.
Supporters of this legislative initiative can reach out to their State Senators to ask them to sign on in support. Find out who your state Senator is here.
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