Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights Launches Masks Off, Rights On Campaign Against ICE Masking

By:civilrights.org | Photo by: Lara Jameson (Pexels.com) 

President and CEO Maya Wiley: “The Administration is deploying ICE and other agencies into our streets and communities – and it’s making us less safe.”

Campaign Launches With New Video Here

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights (LCCHR) announced the launch of the Masks Off, Rights On campaign, a new effort aimed at advocating for transparency, accountability, and civil rights in the face of increasingly anonymous and masked law enforcement actions in our communities from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

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A recent national poll by LCCHR found a solid majority (56%) disapproves of ICE’s performance, and a plurality (46%) strongly disapproves. Only 4% of Hispanic voters say ICE is making life better for everyday Americans. Despite federal law enforcement being required by law to wear identifying uniforms when addressing civil disturbances, the Trump administration’s decision to allow ICE agents to wear masks while carrying out arrests is a dangerous tactic that undermines accountability and public safety.

Maya Wiley, President and CEO of the Leadership Conference, said: “The Trump Administration is sending ICE and other agents into our streets and communities – and it’s making us less safe. ICE is menacing innocent people, including children at school, sowing fear, and even using physical force without justification. They are causing chaos and committing civil and human rights abuses while hiding behind masks and refusing to identify themselves. This is wrong, and it’s dangerous. We’re going to call it out and make our voices heard.”

If ICE agents can be anonymous, criminals can pretend to be them. Agents who abuse people can get away with it. This makes everyone less safe. It erodes trust and makes our neighborhoods places of fear.

The Masks Off, Rights On campaign will bring together policy recommendations, local advocacy tools, storytelling, and a coordinated media strategy to:

• Highlight the civil rights and community safety risks of anonymous ICE actions
• Support partners and supporters in pushing for transparency and identification protocols
• Provide resources to know your rights, prepare for ICE encounters, and take action
• Mobilize communities to take action at the local, state, and federal levels

The new public awareness campaign will include:

• A launch advocacy toolkit featuring an open letter from LCCHR President, Maya Wiley
• A “How To” guide on sending a message to your local representatives or school board, urging them to keep our communities safe.
• A video documenting ICE’s masking policy and its impacts on communities
• The call for transparency is a call for basic public safety. Our neighbors, our communities, and our safety depend on protecting our basic rights.

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 240 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals.

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