Philly Looks to Unmask ICE Agents' Identities

Local officials challenge federal agents' use of facial coverings during immigration enforcement actions.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The city of Philadelphia is exploring ways to require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to remove facial coverings during immigration enforcement actions, a practice that became widespread under the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign. This move by local officials could test the limits of municipal power over federal agents operating within city limits.

Why it matters

The use of masks by ICE agents has been a controversial tactic, with critics arguing it reduces transparency and accountability. Philadelphia's efforts to unmask the federal agents could set a precedent for other cities looking to assert more control over immigration enforcement activities in their communities.

The details

Philadelphia officials are considering several options, including passing local legislation or filing a lawsuit, to compel ICE agents to show their faces during immigration raids and other enforcement actions. The goal is to increase transparency and allow residents to identify the federal agents involved in such operations.

  • The widespread use of facial coverings by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents became a lasting image of President Donald Trump's mass deportation campaign.
  • Philadelphia is currently exploring ways to require ICE agents to remove facial coverings during immigration enforcement actions in the city.

The players

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws in the United States.

Philadelphia

The city in Pennsylvania that is challenging the use of facial coverings by ICE agents during immigration enforcement actions.

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What’s next

Philadelphia officials are considering various legal and legislative options to compel ICE agents to remove facial coverings during immigration enforcement actions in the city.

The takeaway

Philadelphia's efforts to unmask ICE agents could set a precedent for other cities looking to assert more control over federal immigration enforcement activities within their communities, potentially leading to increased transparency and accountability.