ALBANY, N.Y. – Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany) and Assemblymember Tony Simone (D—NYC), sponsors of the MELT (Mandating End of Lawless Tactics) Act, which prohibits masking by ICE agents with specific exceptions, announce that their bill passed both houses of the New York State Legislature today as part of the Public Protection and General Government budget bill (S.9005-C/A.10005-C).

In New York State, law enforcement officers, including federal officers, will now be banned from wearing masks in most circumstances.

“When agents of the federal government are operating like masked militias, we’ve crossed a dangerous line by turning immigration enforcement into a paramilitary force that should shock the nation’s collective conscience,” said Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). “Masking by ICE agents goes beyond legitimate immigration enforcement; it’s intimidation, and it echoes authoritarian regimes, not the United States of America. While I have long supported comprehensive immigration reform at the national level, I’m proud that we have included our MELT Act in this immigration package to restore transparency, accountability, and the rule of law before ICE’s tactics and the fear they create in our communities become normalized.”

“Our communities, immigrant and not, are living in complete and utter fear,” said Assemblymember Tony Simone (D—NYC). “Masked agents acting under the direction of Donald Trump are entering our workplaces, courthouses, and communities. They are disappearing people to unaccountable facilities with no due process. What is to stop vigilantes from taking up these same tactics? This is flat out un-American. The MELT Act will restore accountability over these masked vigilantes.” 

The MELT Act seeks to ensure accountability in enforcement by requiring that federal immigration agents operating in New York do so in clearly visible uniforms with name badges and agency-identifying apparel. The bill would also prohibit the use of masks or face coverings during civil enforcement and require federal agencies to publicly report all mask use, use-of-force incidents, and civil arrests conducted in New York State. 

Additionally, elements of Senator Fahy’s and Assemblymember Simone’s Reporting of Arrests, Detentions, Actions, and Removals (RADAR) Act were included in the newly created Office of Immigrant Trust, under the New York State Attorney General’s Office.

The immigration agreement takes several other critical measures to protect all New Yorkers. The Local Cops Local Crimes Act will end cooperation on civil immigration enforcement. ICE will be barred from entering schools, libraries, community centers, polling locations, and other sensitive locations without a warrant. And lastly, all government officials, including ICE agents, can be held accountable in court for violating constitutional rights.

###