Denver City Council Proposes Ordinance Requiring Officers to Unmask and Identify Themselves

The revised proposal would mandate visible identification for law enforcement, including federal agents, operating within city limits.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Two Denver City Council members have updated a proposal that would require law enforcement officers, including federal agents, to clearly identify themselves with visible identification when operating within the city. The ordinance aims to address concerns about masked and unidentified officers in public spaces and lower the risk of confusion or misunderstanding by residents. While the city acknowledges it cannot control federal agencies, it asserts authority over public safety and the use of city resources.

Why it matters

This proposal highlights the ongoing tensions between local governments and federal law enforcement agencies, particularly around issues of transparency, accountability, and the rights of residents. It reflects broader debates about the role of police and federal agents in communities, and the balance between public safety and civil liberties.

The details

The revised ordinance would require officers to be clearly identifiable from at least 25 feet away, with exceptions for undercover operations, SWAT, and protective gear. The city claims it has the authority to enforce this on any officers using city resources or facilities, even if they are federal agents. The Department of Homeland Security has strongly opposed the proposal, calling it an unconstitutional attempt to endanger officers.

  • The revised ordinance will be presented to the Health and Safety Committee on Wednesday morning.
  • If approved by the committee, it will then move to the full Denver City Council for a final vote.
  • If approved by the City Council, the ordinance would take effect immediately, though enforcement procedures and training would still need to be finalized.

The players

Flor Alvidrez

A Denver City Council member who co-authored the revised ordinance.

Shontel Lewis

A Denver City Council member who co-authored the revised ordinance.

Thomas

The Chief of the Denver Police Department, who has reportedly agreed to interfere with ICE if deemed necessary.

Tricia McLaughlin

The Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary who strongly criticized the proposed ordinance.

Denver Police Department (DPD)

The local law enforcement agency that would be responsible for enforcing the ordinance, though they have not commented on what that enforcement might look like.

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What they’re saying

“Sanctuary politicians attempting to ban our federal law enforcement from wearing masks is despicable and a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers. To be crystal clear: we will not abide by this unconstitutional ban. The Supremacy Clause makes it clear that Denver's sanctuary politicians do not control federal law enforcement.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary (Denver7)

“It's our responsibility to our constituents to provide a sense of public safety, and when people are afraid to go outside and go about their lives, they need to be able to know if a man in a mask is running up to them. Is this actually someone stealing from me? Is this a criminal? Is this a federal officer? Right now, we have no way for people to know what's happening.”

— Flor Alvidrez, Denver City Council member (Denver7)

What’s next

If the proposal passes the Health and Safety Committee meeting on Wednesday, it will then move to the full Denver City Council for a final vote. If approved, the ordinance would take effect immediately, though the city would still need to finalize enforcement procedures and training.

The takeaway

This proposed ordinance highlights the ongoing tensions between local governments and federal law enforcement agencies, particularly around issues of transparency, accountability, and the rights of residents. It reflects broader debates about the role of police and federal agents in communities, and the balance between public safety and civil liberties.