The Excerpt SPECIAL | Why are ICE agents hiding behind masks?
Jul 30, 2025
Mike German, a former FBI agent and a fellow at the Brennan Center for Justice, delves into the controversial world of masked law enforcement. He discusses the rise of ICE agents hiding their identities during operations, raising questions about trust and accountability. German highlights the dangers of such practices in a democratic society, particularly the impact on community safety and perceptions of law enforcement. He also addresses the worrying intersection of policing tactics and militant aesthetics, urging a call for transparency and accountability in these federal operations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Masked Officers Increase Fear
- Masked law enforcement creates fear and suspicion in communities.
- Lack of clear identification increases threats to both law enforcement and the public.
Masked Agents Escalate Violence
- Unidentified masked agents raise fears of impostors and worsen community violence.
- Aggressive, poorly targeted police violence escalates rather than calms tensions.
Secret Police Threaten Democracy
- Law enforcement secretiveness threatens democratic control and public trust.
- Post-9/11 changes increased opacity and reduced accountability in federal and local policing.