WASHINGTON, D.C. — A growing debate is unfolding in the nation’s capital over federal officers wearing masks while assisting local police during the city’s ongoing federal crime crackdown. Community members, advocacy groups, and city leaders are calling on federal agents to identify themselves more clearly, saying anonymity erodes public trust.
Residents Question Masked Federal Agents
Recent social media videos have captured federal officers, some believed to be Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, wearing masks during arrests alongside unmasked Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers. The contrast has sparked concern among residents who say law enforcement should not operate behind concealed identities.
Mayor Muriel Bowser, who has supported the president’s 30-day federal law enforcement surge in D.C., has been outspoken about the issue. While welcoming additional resources to address crime, she strongly criticized ICE agents for conducting immigration raids while masked.
“What has not worked during this period of time is ICE terrorizing communities, especially with masks and especially not having enough information about where people are,” Bowser said.
‘Home of the Brave’ Pushes Back
Adding fuel to the controversy, a new organization called Home of the Brave has launched a citywide ad campaign demanding that federal officers “take off your masks.” Posters plastered across neighborhoods feature slogans such as “Why are you hiding your face? Public servants should face the public.”
The group’s effort doesn’t stop with posters. A mobile billboard with the same message is now making its way through high-traffic corridors of the city, amplifying the campaign’s reach.
Michael Fanone, a former D.C. police officer severely injured during the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, is serving as the group’s spokesperson. Fanone, who was beaten unconscious during the attack and suffered a traumatic brain injury, said his experience gives him a unique perspective.
“I couldn’t think of a better person to talk out about the adverse impacts of this administration than a former police officer who suffered at the hands of Donald Trump and his supporters,” Fanone said.
Voices From the Community
Home of the Brave is also gathering testimonials from D.C. residents who claim they have been harmed by Trump administration policies. The group argues that requiring transparency from officers is not only about accountability but also about restoring community trust during an already tense moment for public safety in the city.
“The biggest component for me as a former law enforcement officer is making sure that none of this behavior becomes normalized,” Fanone added.
DHS Defends the Practice
Federal officials, however, insist that masked officers are still identifiable and operate within the law. A senior Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official issued a statement defending the practice:
“During enforcement operations, all ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers and Homeland Security Investigations special agents wear badges designed to be easily identifiable and to signify their authority as law enforcement officials. If an ICE officer or agent chooses to wear a mask to protect themselves from being doxed and targeted by highly sophisticated gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13, criminal rings, murderers, and rapists, they clearly identify themselves as law enforcement.”
The DHS statement underscores the government’s concern that officers could face threats to their safety and families if their identities are widely exposed.
Fanone’s Response
Fanone acknowledged the risks but maintained that public-facing law enforcement has an obligation to be visible. Having personally experienced harassment and threats for speaking out about January 6, he said he understands the dangers but rejects the notion that concealment is the answer.
“Also, I feel like it’s un-American,” he said. “If you’re out there acting in accordance with the Constitution and upholding your oath and enforcing the law in an ethical manner, you shouldn’t need to hide your face from the public.”
Balancing Safety and Accountability
The debate reflects a larger tension between officer safety and public accountability. On one hand, federal agencies argue that masks provide necessary protection against powerful criminal organizations capable of targeting officers outside of their professional duties. On the other, city leaders and residents fear that masked arrests blur lines of authority and reduce confidence in the fairness of law enforcement.
Critics say unidentified or masked officers create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, particularly for immigrant communities already hesitant to engage with law enforcement. Supporters argue that without protective measures, officers could face grave risks that compromise their ability to serve.
The Road Ahead
As the federal surge continues under the 30-day crime emergency order, the “Take Off Your Masks” campaign is expected to intensify pressure on both city and federal officials. With street ads, mobile billboards, and community testimonials, Home of the Brave is working to keep the issue in the public eye.
For residents of Washington, D.C., the debate is more than symbolic. It cuts to the heart of what policing should look like in a democracy: officers who are both protected from harm and accountable to the communities they serve.
Whether federal officials adjust their policies remains to be seen. For now, the clash between safety and transparency will continue to define the conversation around law enforcement’s role in the District.
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