ICE Agents' Masks Threaten Transparency on the Western Slope

As Western Slope residents, we value our community's trust and transparency. That's why Denver's decision to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks while detaining people is a crucial step in protecting residents' rights – and it's a move the rest of Colorado should follow.

ICE agents have been wearing masks while making arrests, citing the need to conceal their identities due to job risks. However, government data tells a different story. Between 1915 and 2025, only 76 immigration enforcement agents died on the job, with the last officer to die from a gunshot wound being a result of accidental discharge. In fact, ICE agents are more likely to die from COVID-19 or cancer than from a violent attack at work.

For those of us living in towns like Grand Junction, Montrose, or Durango, this issue hits close to home. We have friends and family members who are immigrants, and the thought of ICE agents roaming our streets in masks, making arrests without accountability, is unsettling. It's essential to recognize that democracy relies on transparency, and when public servants hide their identities, it erodes the community's trust.

What This Means for You

So, what does this mean for Western Slope residents? It means that if ICE agents are allowed to wear masks, it will be more challenging to hold them accountable for their actions. This lack of accountability can lead to misconduct, which is particularly concerning when it comes to law enforcement officers who have the power to use deadly force. As a community, we must demand transparency and ensure that our public servants are identifiable and accountable.

In our daily lives, we interact with various public servants, from teachers to law enforcement officers. We expect them to be transparent and accountable, and we should hold ICE agents to the same standards. Imagine if your child's teacher or professor showed up to class in a mask – it would be unthinkable. Yet, ICE agents are allowed to do just that, making it difficult to build trust and relationships with the communities they serve.

A Call to Action

As Western Slope residents, we must speak out against the practice of ICE agents wearing masks. We should support Denver's decision and urge our local leaders to follow suit. By doing so, we can ensure that our community remains transparent and accountable, and that our public servants are held to the highest standards. Whether you live in Steamboat Springs or Cortez, this issue affects us all, and it's time we take a stand for transparency and accountability.