A Democratic lawmaker in Tennessee is pushing for legislation that would ban immigration enforcement officials from wearing masks, forcing them to show their faces. CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdes reports.

Tennessee

A Democratic lawmaker in Tennessee has introduced legislation that would ban federal immigration enforcement agents from wearing masks during operations, requiring them to show their faces. The bill, put forward by Representative Justin Jones, is intended to improve safety and accountability for both officers and the public. Supporters of the bill argue that visible identification is standard practice for local and state law enforcement and helps distinguish legitimate officers from imposters.

The move follows similar legislative efforts in California, where concerns have been raised about masked agents conducting arrests in public spaces. While the bill faces challenges in Tennessee's Republican-controlled legislature, Jones has reported some bipartisan support, including from former law enforcement officials.

Tennessee lawmaker files bill to ban ICE agents from wearing masks

In Tennessee now, a Democratic lawmaker pushes for new legislation that would ban immigration enforcement officials from wearing masks and force them to show their faces. As ICE operations continue across the country, we've seen countless videos of agents carrying out raids and arrests wearing masks. You might remember back in March where security video captured agents in plain clothes and masks circle in on a Tufts University student on the street and then take her away in an unmarked SUV. The Ph.D. student was freed from federal custody in May, but supporters of the Tennessee bill say masks stoke fear and make it difficult to tell if agents are actual legitimate officers. Let's bring in CBS News correspondent Nicole Valdez, she was live for us in Nashville. Nicole, you talked to the lawmaker behind the bill. Tell us what you learned. Yeah, Elizabeth, that video you referenced is just one of many examples of really these federal agents wearing plain clothes at times, unmarked vests, hats and those full face masks. Tennessee House representative, a Democrat here, Justin Jones, is now the latest state leader to introduce a bill hoping to ban federal immigration agents from wearing those masks. The bill, he says, is all about safety, not only for the officers, but for Americans across several states. He argues federal agents should follow the same practice as other local and state law enforcement officers do, which is showing their faces and even their badge when they make arrests. Now, a similar bill was filed just last week in California that aims to do the same. U.S. Congresswoman Laura Friedman says she's championing the bill there to improve accountability of immigration enforcement agents amid growing concerns coming out of L.A. where they say unidentifiable plain clothed and masked agents were walking into workplaces and schools to make arrests. When I sat down with Representative Jones earlier today, I asked him whether he thinks he'll get the support he needs to get this bill passed the state's Republican supermajority and many lawmakers who openly supported increased ICE enforcement in the state of Tennessee. When people sign up for law enforcement, they don't sign up to be anonymous. Our Metro National Police officers, our Tennessee Highway Patrol, I've never seen them wear masks. I've never seen them hide their badges and identity. In fact, it makes their job safer when they pull out their badge and say, you know, I'm a law enforcement agent and I'm here conducting, you know, my duty. Now Jones says he's actually already received some support from his Republican counterparts and former local law enforcement officers who disagree with that practice. He says he's hoping they will take the stand before the House here to try to get that bill to move forward. Elizabeth. Nicole Valdez, thanks so much.

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