Montgomery County Considers New Ban on Police Masks: What You Need to Know
- Center for Local Policy Analysis (CLPA)
- 21 minutes ago
- 2 min read
To call ICE's recent activities controversial would be an understatement. Over the past few months, our nation has seen protests against ICE operations spread across the country. One of the recurring themes heard about ICE is its lack of transparency, especially when it comes to its agents wearing masks during arrests. In a move to increase transparency within ICE and other law enforcement agencies in Montgomery County, Councilmember Will Jawando and four other co-sponsors introduced Bill 5-26, the "Unmask ICE Act," into the Council yesterday. The bill aims to fundamentally change how law enforcement officers appear while working in Montgomery County.
The Core of the Bill
At its heart, the Unmask ICE Act is simple. If enacted, any federal, state, or local law enforcement officer operating in the county would be prohibited from wearing a mask or face covering while on duty and interacting with the public. The bill sponsors argue that concealing officers' identities erodes trust between law enforcement and the public. By mandating officers to reveal their faces, the Council believes law enforcement actions would be more transparent and visible, thereby building greater trust.
Safety and Health Exceptions
Although the bill seeks to ban most masks, it creates specific exceptions to keep officers safe. Police and agents may still wear facial coverings in dangerous or specific situations, such as:
Wearing protective gear during fires, water rescues, or chemical emergencies.
Using face protection during extreme cold weather emergencies.
Allowing SWAT teams to use the tactical gear they need for high-risk operations.
Why Now?
Councilmember Jawando introduced the bill as a "companion" to other proposals such as the Trust Act. The aim of both bills is to ensure that all county residents feel safe reaching out to local authorities without any doubt or fear. Supporters of the bill believe this will ensure the accountability needed to safeguard the safety and integrity of the county’s law enforcement, as well as the rights of county residents.
What’s Next?
Next, there will be a public hearing where residents can share their thoughts. After that, a work session will follow with the Public Safety Committee. The hearing is not scheduled yet and will take place later. If the Council passes the bill, Montgomery County would join a national conversation about police identity and community relations.
Text of Bill 5-26, the "Unmask ICE Act"
