Gathering in Philadelphia to Support Transparency in Law Enforcement
Pennsylvania legislators and immigrant advocates gathered outside the federal ICE office in Philadelphia Thursday to back a new proposal aimed at increasing transparency in law enforcement.
The 'No Secret Police' Bill
The measure, dubbed the "No Secret Police" bill, would prohibit law enforcement personnel, including ICE agents, from covering their faces during operations and would mandate clearly labeled uniforms that identify an officer’s agency.
Legislative Perspectives
State Sen. Nikil Saval, a co-sponsor of the bill with State Sen. Amanda Cappelletti, said the use of masks erodes accountability and makes it harder for communities to identify who is carrying out enforcement actions.
Cappelletti added that masked, heavily armed agents can undermine trust between residents and authorities, leaving communities feeling unsafe and uncertain about their rights.
Recent Incidents and Community Concerns
The proposal follows a widely criticized ICE operation at a Norristown supermarket in which masked individuals carrying firearms were observed, an episode that ...