WASHINGTON, D.C. – A video capturing masked federal agents making an arrest in the District’s Chevy Chase neighborhood has reignited debate over transparency, accountability, and community trust in law enforcement.
The footage, obtained by FOX 5 DC, shows two unidentified agents in an unmarked minivan detaining two men during rush-hour traffic on Nebraska Avenue Northwest.
The Arrest Caught on Camera
Neighbors witnessed the unusual scene early Tuesday morning when the agents, driving a minivan with Maryland plates, pulled over a white construction van. According to a bystander who filmed the incident, the entire encounter lasted about four minutes.
In the video, neighbors can be heard asking:
“Are you with the police? Who are you with?”
The agents did not show badges or respond directly, other than once stating they were “with immigration.” They then handcuffed the two men inside the van and drove them away in the unmarked vehicle.
The woman who filmed the encounter said she shared the video to raise questions about law enforcement conduct in the nation’s capital.
ICE Confirms Arrests
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) later confirmed to FOX 5 that its officers carried out the arrests. In a statement, ICE said the two men detained were Marvin Saul Alvarez, a Salvadoran national, and Daniel Perez-Perez, a Guatemalan national.
According to the agency:
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Alvarez had previously been arrested by U.S. Border Patrol in November 2023 and deported to Mexico, but reentered the country illegally.
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Perez entered the U.S. at an unknown date and location. ICE reported that Perez accepted a voluntary departure after being taken into custody.
ICE stressed that under directives from President Donald Trump and Secretary Kristi Noem, there is a “renewed commitment to law and order” that prioritizes the arrest and removal of undocumented individuals.
Why Were Agents Masked?
One of the most controversial aspects of the arrest was that the agents wore masks, concealing their identities.
ICE officials defended the practice, noting that agents may wear masks for safety reasons, particularly in an era when many arrests are filmed and widely circulated online.
Critics, however, argue that masked law enforcement creates confusion and fear. Civil and criminal litigator Eric Faddis questioned the practice, asking:
“If law enforcement is engaging in activities that are aboveboard, what is the harm in identifying their agency and their name?”
Advocates have also raised concerns about impersonation. Allie Preston of the Center for American Progress said there have been troubling cases of individuals pretending to be immigration officers.
“Outside of the legal concerns, we know for a fact this is posing a danger both to communities as well as the officers engaged in these practices.”
A local resident, who asked to remain anonymous, described the encounter as intimidating:
“I think the mask is just designed to intimidate people. I understand that some of these masked men think it’s for protection, but they’re just escalating situations and making it more difficult for people involved.”
Mayor Bowser Calls for Transparency
Mayor Muriel Bowser responded to the video by calling on federal law enforcement officers to abandon the use of masks during operations in the District.
Posting on X, Bowser said:
“Trust between community and law enforcement is central to our city’s safety.”
She further urged federal agents to clearly identify their agencies, show ID, and operate with greater transparency.
In her public remarks, Bowser did not mince words:
“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. I’ve said that repeatedly. I’ll say it again.”
Community Concerns Persist
For many D.C. residents, the video underscores a deeper tension between federal immigration enforcement and local values of accountability. The lack of clear identification raised fears not only of government overreach but also of potential abuse by individuals posing as law enforcement.
Experts point out that when communities cannot distinguish between legitimate officers and impostors, public trust suffers. That, in turn, makes it harder for residents to cooperate with investigations or seek help when needed.
The Larger Debate
The arrest comes as the role of federal immigration enforcement continues to spark national debate. Supporters argue that ICE agents are carrying out lawful duties to remove individuals who entered or remained in the country illegally. Critics counter that aggressive tactics—especially when cloaked in secrecy—erode civil liberties and destabilize communities.
As investigations continue, the video has already ignited a larger conversation about the balance between safety, transparency, and accountability in law enforcement.
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