New bill unveiled in Manhattan would ban ICE agents from wearing masks
NEW YORK (WABC) -- A new bill unveiled Wednesday morning in Manhattan aims to ban ICE agents from wearing masks to conceal their identities while raiding the city for undocumented migrants.
Elected officials including Comptroller Brad Lander and Borough President Mark Levine gathered outside Federal Immigration Court in Lower Manhattan to discuss the bill.
They said the so-called MELT (Mandating End of Lawless Tactics) Act is a necessary tool to hold ICE agents accountable amid President Trump's immigration crackdown.
Another sponsor of the bill, State Assemblymember Tony Simone said he has one extended family member who is undocumented and now lives every day in fear.
"These are human beings, overstaying your visa is a civil offense, ICE agents need to be identified with a badge number like every officer, you entrust a community that they are going to do it the right way, they are coming here trying to do it the right way, and we are taking away their freedom and liberty," Simone said.
The officials also slammed the budget reconciliation bill that was just approved by Congress which allocates roughout $75 billion for immigration detention centers and for ICE to hire more personnel.
ALSO READ: NYC elected officials shed new light on immigration court hearings, detentions at Federal Plaza
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