Detroit Council Member Proposes Ban on Masked Law Enforcement Officers
A Detroit City Councilwoman is pushing for an ordinance that would outlaw local, state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks or other facial coverings while performing their duties in the city. Councilwoman Mary Waters calls it "a necessary measure to ensure transparency" in law enforcement.
The proposal comes on the heels of growing national criticism over federal immigration agents' practice of wearing masks during enforcement actions. Critics say this makes it difficult for the public to verify who is conducting arrests and hold officers accountable.
Waters says her proposal would honor the memory of Alex Pretti, a 24-year-old man killed by two federal agents in Minneapolis after he was tackled to the ground while video-recording an immigration enforcement incident. "We will not have a Detroit where a masked mob is afforded the opportunity to enforce the law with impunity," Waters said.
The proposed ordinance would prohibit local, state and federal law enforcement personnel from wearing masks or other facial coverings in Detroit. Penalties for non-compliance would be determined by the city law department.
Similar ordinances have been proposed in Los Angeles County and Philadelphia, as well as introduced in Denver and Jackson County, Missouri. However, experts warn that local mask bans may face constitutional challenges under the Supremacy Clause.
In practice, enforcing these bans has proven challenging, with federal immigration officers continuing to wear masks despite local restrictions or proposed bans. This allows them to act with impunity, making it difficult for the public to identify officers, verify their authority and seek accountability when misconduct is alleged.
Waters' ordinance must be approved by the Detroit City Council before it can take effect.
A Detroit City Councilwoman is pushing for an ordinance that would outlaw local, state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks or other facial coverings while performing their duties in the city. Councilwoman Mary Waters calls it "a necessary measure to ensure transparency" in law enforcement.
The proposal comes on the heels of growing national criticism over federal immigration agents' practice of wearing masks during enforcement actions. Critics say this makes it difficult for the public to verify who is conducting arrests and hold officers accountable.
Waters says her proposal would honor the memory of Alex Pretti, a 24-year-old man killed by two federal agents in Minneapolis after he was tackled to the ground while video-recording an immigration enforcement incident. "We will not have a Detroit where a masked mob is afforded the opportunity to enforce the law with impunity," Waters said.
The proposed ordinance would prohibit local, state and federal law enforcement personnel from wearing masks or other facial coverings in Detroit. Penalties for non-compliance would be determined by the city law department.
Similar ordinances have been proposed in Los Angeles County and Philadelphia, as well as introduced in Denver and Jackson County, Missouri. However, experts warn that local mask bans may face constitutional challenges under the Supremacy Clause.
In practice, enforcing these bans has proven challenging, with federal immigration officers continuing to wear masks despite local restrictions or proposed bans. This allows them to act with impunity, making it difficult for the public to identify officers, verify their authority and seek accountability when misconduct is alleged.
Waters' ordinance must be approved by the Detroit City Council before it can take effect.
! like i was reading about how alex pretti got killed by feds in minneapolis and now detroit council member is trying to ban masked law enforcement officers? its like they r tryin 2 make sure we cant see who's doin the bad things, but isnt that kinda the opposite of transparency? 
also whats up wit federal immigration agents keepin a mask on even if local cities say no? like, cant they just be held accountable 4 their actions or wut? 
. I get that it might be a way to maintain some level of anonymity, but shouldn't officers be held accountable for their actions just the same as anyone else? It's like they're above the law or something 
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. The fact that similar ordinances have been proposed elsewhere but face constitutional challenges is a major concern, though. It feels like these agencies are trying to push back against accountability measures at every turn 
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. Only time will tell if this ordinance passes, but I think it's a necessary step towards building trust between law enforcement and the public 
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. And what if they find ways to work around it? Like, have you ever seen a police officer do something bad and then just not wear their mask afterwards? It seems like they'd be more likely to keep wearing masks than break the rules.
. Can we really trust that a simple ban on masks will fix everything?
so i think this is a legit concern... masks on law enforcement can definitely make things tricky for citizens trying to hold them accountable 
... like what if u r being arrested and u can't even see who's doing it? 
that's not cool, right? 
i drew a simple diagram to illustrate the point: 
... Waters' proposal is a step in the right direction 
... fingers crossed the Detroit City Council approves it