By Carol Lucas
The iconic quote, “Who was that masked man?” is famously associated with the classic American Western character The Lone Ranger. It’s usually spoken by someone who has just witnessed the masked hero disappear after helping them, often by Tonto or another character in the scene.
The line is a testament to The Lone Ranger’s mysterious and heroic nature, as he often vanishes after dispensing justice, leaving behind only the mystery of his identity.
When I began brainstorming regarding subject matter for this week’s article, I went to a list of topics I had made a few weeks ago, and one simply called out to me, that of masks and the fact that ICE has chosen to wear them from the very beginning of their now infamous raids.
Of course, the first question has to be “why?” Why, if you are legitimately doing your job, should you be afraid to show your face? Or is the fear factor of another ilk, that of “instilling” fear?
The inauguration of the 47th President was held on Jan. 20, 2025, and the first major immigration raid under this administration began eight days later in New York City. This was spearheaded by Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem (of dog killing fame, but I digress).
These raids were part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration promised by 47 during his campaign.
Perhaps a bit of background is needed. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was established in 2003 following the Homeland Security Act of 2002. This act created the Department of Homeland Security and merged the Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service to form ICE.
While ICE’s creation was a bipartisan effort, its enforcement actions, particularly during the Trump administration, have been a subject of significant controversy and debate, particularly concerning deportations.
I could not find a time in those early deportations where masks were worn. The reasoning behind wearing them now is somewhat varied and, I believe, convoluted.
Often the notion of Covid 19 is brought into the picture, saying this is a means of protection. Funny how some of those supporting this were the very same folks who complained bitterly about mandated masks during the actual epidemic. Perhaps a bit of hypocrisy might be rearing its head.
There are concerns about accountability and safety. Some argue that the masks make it difficult to identify agents and hold them responsible for their actions, while others claim that masks are necessary to protect officers from “doxing” (a form of cyberbullying) and threats.
I find the suggested fear of “bullying of the ICE agents” just a bit ironic, given the scenes I have observed on television where it is deemed necessary that multiple agents take down one man or even a woman. At no time have I seen or heard of one of these detainees brandishing a weapon although I can appreciate guarding against this; it does go without saying, however, no mask would serve as protection in that case.
The use of masks by federal agents has become the subject of legal and political debate, with some states attempting to ban the practice.
In an exclusive interview, Todd Lyons, the acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, told CBS News he’s not a “proponent” of agents wearing masks during arrest operations, but said he will allow the practice to continue due to concerns about his officers’ safety.
Then there is the worry about the possibility of impostors who could exploit this practice, posing as ICE agents. While some have reported the use of “bounty hunters” in conjunction with ICE actions, these individuals are not “typically” ICE agents themselves, but rather are contracted or deputized by the agency. In checking Snopes for clarification, I found that the language used neither clarifies nor denies.
Pressed on concerns about masked ICE officers and the possibility that impostors could exploit the practice by posing as immigration agents, Lyons said, “That’s one of our biggest concerns. And I’ve said it publicly before, I’m not a proponent of the masks.”
The present process for the capture and deportation of those here “illegally” seems to lose credibility with each new report. It has become apparent that those in charge are doing very little to determine legality. Supposedly, only those illegals with criminal backgrounds would be deported. Now we know differently.
We can debate whether or not those who have traversed three countries in order to escape the oppression of drug cartels and seek asylum qualify. That is an argument for another day. That they are taking jobs from citizens has been debunked many times over. That all those being deported have criminal backgrounds is also a fallacy.
This is another set of statistics of which you should be aware. According to ICE, Obama deported more illegal immigrants each year than Trump. The difference, I might add, is there was little to no fanfare on Obama’s part. Furthermore, during the fiscal year of 2023, the Biden administration deported over 1.1 million illegal aliens which is half of Trump’s entire first term.
It’s all about the theatrics, folks. And those masks? More of the same with an added dose of intimidation.
As for The Lone Ranger, the masked hero who disappears after dispensing justice? Frankly, the disappearing part isn’t a bad idea.
Carol Lucas is a retired high school teacher and a Lady’s Island resident. She is the author of the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”
