By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times
Those of us who can recall the days of the Lone Ranger in the movies and on TV never questioned him wearing a mask to hide his identity. That was all make believe and we knew he was one of the good guys.
But that was long before our federal government started paying $50,000 sign-on bonuses and letting ICE agents wear masks during raids in search of criminals who also might be undocumented immigrants.
In my opinion, those Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents look and act more like storm troopers than they do trained police officers. So, I keep wondering why would we ever allow them to hide behind masks?
In recent years, the use of masks by police officers during arrests— has sparked significant debate and been the flashpoint of lawsuits and disciplinary actions resulting from allegations of excessive force.
Yes, there could be legitimate reasons for masking, such as protecting officers’ identities during dangerous missions or undercover work, but masks today raise serious questions regarding accountability, transparency, and civil rights.
I believe the most pressing danger is the erosion of accountability. Masks obscure faces, making it difficult for individuals to identify them if misconduct occurs. Victims of excessive force or wrongful arrest may be unable to report the officer involved, which hinders investigations and the potential for justice.
It is scary to contemplate how this individual sense of anonymity could foster a dangerous environment where officers feel less restrained by professional standards, increasing the risk of abuse of power or outright brutality.
Another concern is the impact on public trust. Law enforcement agencies rely on the confidence and cooperation of the communities they serve. When officers appear faceless and unapproachable, it can create fear and suspicion among citizens.
Citizens may perceive masked officers as hostile or militarized, leading to heightened tensions during interactions and undermining the legitimacy of police actions. This is especially true in immigrant neighborhoods already wary of law enforcement, where masked arrests may trigger traumatic memories of the places they fled in order to come to America.
Yes, we need to hold immigrants accountable for their presence in our country, but surely we don’t need armed thugs hired off the street to make big bucks while hiding behind masks out there terrorizing our cities.
Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.
