Massachusetts Officials Clash Over ICE Agents and Mask Policy

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell and U.S. Attorney Leah Foley are engaged in a heated exchange regarding the policy of federal immigration agents wearing masks while on duty. This dispute has drawn the attention of Governor Maura Healey, who expressed her disapproval of the practice, stating it “doesn’t make sense.” The governor’s comments came shortly after Foley defended the mask policy in a public statement.

During an appearance on GBH’s Boston Public Radio, Healey voiced her support for ICE and former President Donald Trump‘s deportation agenda, contingent upon its focus on apprehending violent offenders. “But that’s not what is going on,” she asserted, urging citizens to document interactions with ICE agents. Healey emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating, “People are fed up with … how Trump is abusing ICE.”

The governor’s remarks followed a statement from Foley, who criticized Campbell’s suggestion that a proposed law to ban federal agents from wearing face coverings should be prioritized. Campbell stated that enforcing such a law against ICE officials would be “nearly impossible.” She explained, “My thing is, we don’t want to just be passing things for the sake of passing things.”

Campbell’s office is actively monitoring ICE’s actions for potential incidents of racial profiling. “That’s your U.S. Attorney’s job,” she remarked, suggesting that Foley’s office was not adequately holding ICE accountable. The AG also noted the challenges of enforcing accountability, citing concerns about possible retaliation from federal authorities.

In response, Foley highlighted the significant rise in assaults against ICE officers, reportedly increasing by around 830%. She stressed that ICE agents wear masks due to threats against them and their families, referencing the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which complicates state-level arrests of federal officers. Foley stated, “It is disappointing to hear her say that our country’s Constitution is not on her ‘side.’”

The tension between Campbell and Foley reflects broader concerns regarding federal immigration policies. Recently, the FBI has advised partner agencies to properly identify themselves amid reports of impersonators posing as ICE agents.

In September, California became the first state to prohibit most law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from wearing masks during official duties. This legislation responded to recent immigration raids in Los Angeles, where masked federal agents conducted mass arrests, triggering significant public outcry.

Senate President Karen Spilka has also expressed support for a similar ban in Massachusetts, equating the practice of wearing masks with historical abuses of power. Healey reiterated that local and state police are held to different standards, advocating for consistency in identification protocols across all law enforcement agencies.

The ongoing dispute has taken a personal turn as well. Foley criticized Campbell for publicizing an incident involving Healey thanking airport workers during a government shutdown, claiming it misrepresented the situation. “The attorney general is welcome to share her opinions and tall tale stories,” Foley remarked, emphasizing that inaccuracies only contribute to misinformation.

The contentious exchange between these officials highlights the complexities of immigration enforcement and the challenges faced by local and federal authorities in addressing public safety and accountability. As the debate continues, the implications for Massachusetts residents remain significant.