Hertling notes:

ICE agents now regularly operate masked, heavily militarized, and"most troubling"without any visible identification. ICE officials argue that masks are necessary to prevent doxxing or harassment. But that rationale collapses under scrutiny, especially in a democracy.

In democratic societies, the use of lawful force depends on legitimacy. Legitimacy depends on accountability. And accountability begins with identification.
...
Public scrutiny is not a threat to legitimate law enforcement; it is one of its safeguards. If agents are acting lawfully, ethically, and in accordance with policy guidelines and published standards, identification protects them as much as it protects the public. If they are not identifiable, anonymity enables abuse.

Masks may have a place in specific, tactical circumstances, like special operations. But as a routine posture for domestic law enforcement, especially when combined with military-style gear and no identifying markers, it erodes trust. Once trust is lost, it is not easily rebuilt.

In Iraq, scarves came off as confidence grew. Yet we seem to be moving in the opposite direction. That should concern anyone who believes that power in a democracy must always have a face"and a name.