A resolution submitted by Councilor J.T. Scott requests updates from the mayor on measures to curtail the use of identity-concealing masks by ICE agents.

By The Times Staff

At the latest meeting of the Somerville City Council held on September 11, lawmakers condemned the use of face masks by immigration agents, requesting identification standards and submitting a resolution that, while mostly symbolic, may assist with the eventual ban of masks worn by ICE agents.

A resolution submitted by Councilor J.T. Scott asked the mayor to update the City Council on any plans to prevent ICE agents from wearing identity-concealing masks and issue a requirement for agents to provide identification upon request.

“This is a measure that was actually inspired by what we are hearing about from Chicago,” said Councilor Scott.

Masked agents have caused fear and mistrust in immigrant communities during recent abductions, resulting in confusion and anxiety.

“At the very least, the activity of abductions of our neighbors by masked people could be reduced,” said Councilor Scott.

Immigration agents cannot be directly prevented by the City of Somerville or Massachusetts state laws because the state law does not govern federal law enforcement.

Councilor Matthew McLaughlin read aloud a statement made by Terrence M. Cunningham, who is the Deputy Executive Director of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), during an All Things Considered interview with Ari Shapiro that aired on August 19 on National Public Radio.

Cunningham said in the interview that “face coverings are inappropriate in most cases in policing in a democratic society in 2025.”

Councilor McLaughlin says residents of Somerville are not okay with these tactics used by immigration agents. “People who know better, who know the job, know that this is wrong.”

ICE agents were “trolling City Hall,” taking selfies and mocking city officials, and “intentionally putting terror into the community,” said Councilor McLaughlin.

Councilor McLaughlin added that the agents’ behavior is inappropriate and disrespectful. “To know that is being allowed and encouraged from the highest levels of government is very disheartening,” said Councilor McLaughlin. “This is not an occupied country, you’re not trolls, you are representatives of our government, and you should conduct yourself that way when you are in any city in America.”