LANSING, MI – A new bill introduced in Michigan aims to prohibit U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol agents from wearing non-medical face coverings and mandates they display their agency, name, and badge number. Violators of the proposed legislation would face misdemeanor charges, including a $1,000 fine and up to 90 days in jail. The bill, unveiled around July 24, 2025, reflects a growing legislative push for increased transparency regarding federal law enforcement operations.
The proposed Michigan legislation is part of a broader movement, with similar bills introduced in other states like California, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, as well as at the federal level. Proponents argue that requiring identification and banning masks enhances public accountability and prevents impersonation. According to the tweet content, "A new bill introduced in Michigan not only bans ICE and Border Patrol agents from wearing 'non-medical' face coverings, it requires officers to display their agency, their name and their badge number."
Federal agencies, however, have stated that agents wear masks to protect their identities and families from doxxing and potential threats. This measure is intended to safeguard officers while performing their duties, particularly during sensitive operations. The debate highlights a tension between public transparency demands and officer safety concerns.
Legal experts note that such state-level legislation could face challenges under the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause, which establishes that federal law is supreme over conflicting state law. While states generally cannot compel federal officers to enforce state laws or impede their authorized federal duties, the specifics of this bill and its enforcement would likely be subject to judicial review. The principle of federal preemption suggests that federal agents operating within their lawful authority may be exempt from conflicting state regulations.
It is important to note that the tweet's mention of "@RealTomHoman is the head of ICE" contains outdated information. Tom Homan served as the acting director of ICE from 2017 to 2018. As of March 9, 2025, Todd Lyons is the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.