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Law enforcement body urges Immigration and Customs Enforcement to increase openness and disclosure

ICE agents' face mask usage and controversial policing remarks from leading figures have been addressed by the International Association of Chiefs of Police through two resolutions. The discussion regarding these issues is explored by Ari Shapiro in an interview with Terrence Cunningham, a...

Law enforcement body, The International Association of Chiefs of Police, advocates for enhanced...
Law enforcement body, The International Association of Chiefs of Police, advocates for enhanced openness from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

Law enforcement body urges Immigration and Customs Enforcement to increase openness and disclosure

International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Expresses Ongoing Concerns About Inflammatory Rhetoric and Face Coverings

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) has once again raised concerns about immigration enforcement operations, specifically focusing on the potential dangers of inflammatory rhetoric and the use of face coverings by officers.

These concerns are not new, with the IACP citing examples from as far back as 2016, when five Dallas officers were tragically shot and killed. The association's concerns, however, are not limited to specific incidents or years, but are ongoing and relevant in the current context.

In 2025, the IACP released two resolutions that address these issues. One resolution focuses on the dangers of "inflammatory rhetoric" from influential leaders, while the other warns about the potential confusion, fear, and mistrust that can arise when officers wear face coverings.

The IACP is not directly pointing its concerns at any specific administration, but at the overall impact of inflammatory rhetoric and face coverings on law enforcement and community relations. The association is urging public figures to communicate responsibly, especially given the amplifying effect of social media.

The IACP's concerns about inflammatory rhetoric extend beyond the administration, with the association urging community leaders to also communicate responsibly. The association's members, numbering approximately 35,000, have expressed concern about these issues.

The IACP is also worried about the use of face coverings by agents, viewing it as a slippery slope for police legitimacy. The association is particularly concerned about incidents of blue-on-blue actions, where officers may not properly identify each other due to face coverings. From the IACP's perspective, the public needs to know who they are interacting with for empathy, conversation, and identification purposes.

The resolutions from the IACP were released prior to the expansion of federal agents and National Guard in D.C., but the association's concerns about the use of face coverings by agents remain. There have been reports of robberies, rapes, and attempted kidnappings due to people impersonating federal agents, particularly those wearing masks.

The IACP's concerns about inflammatory rhetoric and face coverings are not just about the potential for violence, but also about the erosion of trust between law enforcement and communities. This erosion of trust can make it harder for police to maintain impartiality and community partnerships, which are crucial for effective policing.

Law enforcement officers are facing unprecedented scrutiny and hostility in the streets, leading to attacks on officers. The IACP believes that clear and responsible communication from public figures can help mitigate these risks and foster a more cooperative environment between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

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