We plan to introduce legislation to require all government agents and law enforcement officers operating within the jurisdiction to:
  1. Wear identifiable uniforms or clothing clearly indicating their department, agency, or affiliation.
  2. Prohibit the use of face coverings, masks, or otherwise concealing apparel that obscures identity during official operations, except in narrowly defined circumstances (e.g., health emergencies or sanctioned undercover work).
 
Background
The recent practice of federal agents, most notably Homeland Security and US Border Patrol, allowing government agents to act without identification and concealing their faces while performing duties has created an unsafe environment for both citizens and law enforcement officers. Considering several high-profile and alarming incidents involving individuals impersonating law enforcement officers—including the recent targeted assassination of state legislators in Minnesota—the need for visual accountability in law enforcement operations has never been more urgent.

Reports have indicated that assailants wore tactical gear and posed as federal agents or law enforcement officers, gaining proximity to their victims and evading immediate detection. In a climate of growing distrust and rising security threats, these deceptions undermine public trust and pose direct dangers to citizens, public officials, and legitimate officers alike.

Moreover, current federal practices, particularly the deployment of masked or unidentifiable personnel, contradict core public safety principles and blur the line between lawful authority and unlawful coercion.
 
Key Provisions of the Proposed Legislation
  • Mandatory Identification: All officers and agents acting in any official capacity must wear clearly visible identification that includes:
    • Name or badge number
    • Department or agency name
    • Uniform or standard clothing that aligns with agency protocols
  • Prohibition on Concealment: Officers may not wear masks, facial coverings, or other garments that obscure their identity unless:
    • Engaged in sanctioned undercover activity
    • Operating in declared health emergencies requiring PPE (subject to clear markings)
  • Criminal Penalties for Violations: Penalties for impersonating law enforcement or unauthorized use of identifying uniforms or insignia will be increased, with mandatory minimums for impersonation in the context of violence or attempted violence.
  • Civil Penalties for failure to properly identify or concealing identity by government officials.
 
Benefits and Rationale
1. Enhanced Public Safety
  • Clear identification deters criminal impersonation and reduces the risk of ambush or fraud.
  • Citizens can confidently recognize legitimate officers, improving cooperation and reducing fear or confusion during public operations.
2. Officer Safety
  • Prevents officers from being misidentified as hostile actors.
  • Limits mistaken confrontations with armed citizens or other security personnel.
3. Accountability and Transparency
  • Reinforces public trust in law enforcement by ensuring transparency in interactions.
  • Allows for complaints, oversight, and investigation when misconduct is alleged.
4. Deterrence of Political Violence
  • Makes it more difficult for politically motivated actors to infiltrate secure environments by posing as law enforcement.
 
Urgency
This legislation addresses an immediate and growing threat. As violent actors adopt more sophisticated tactics—including impersonation and tactical deception—our laws must evolve to ensure legitimacy, safety, and accountability in all public safety operations. The current lack of clear visual identification protocols, particularly within certain federal deployments, undermines the integrity of legitimate law enforcement agencies and puts both officers and the public in danger.
 
Please join us in co-sponsoring this important legislation to protect public safety and promote trust of law enforcement and government officials.