The problem with masked men

Re: Debra Saunders’ July 15 column, The sad truth behind ICE masks.

She writes that ICE agents wear masks because of anti-ICE activists “assaulting” the agents. She quotes a dubious figure by DHS of “a 700% increase in assaults against ICE agents.” Her evidence is anecdotal. The truth is that these ICE thugs (some not specifically identified as ICE) have been grabbing people off the street, without showing identification of any kind and not allowing the detainee the chance to defend their rights.

Whatever the reason, being surrounded by masked men instills fear, and appears to show a lack of accountability. The cruelty of these raids and the conditions under which thousands of people are now being held is the reason for protests against these tactics, and there is a lot of anger among many Americans, especially those personally affected. When people feel helpless and desperate, anger can erupt into violence.

ICE raids are taking place at workplaces, schools, courthouses, shopping areas. They have been known to arrive unannounced and to seize persons suspected of being undocumented without allowing due process. Being undocumented does not mean “illegal” nor does it assume the individual has committed a crime of any kind.

Americans of all political affiliations attend demonstrations. It is not because of the Democrats, Ms. Saunders. Remember the tough bipartisan immigration bill — introduced by a Republican — that was making its way through Congress and that Pres. Biden said he was committed to signing, until Trump told his faithful not to approve it because he needed to campaign on the immigration issue? I would say that Republicans were responsible for not allowing that immigration reform to take place.

Katy Berman

Arlington Heights