U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) acting director Todd Lyons is defending the use of masks by his agents during immigration arrests against critics who call the tactic unnecessary and intimidating. Lyons’ comments come amid the Trump administration’s push for the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history.
The controversy
Lyons addressed the issue Monday, June 2, after San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria expressed outrage over a high-profile ICE operation in Buona Forchetta, a well-known Italian restaurant. The raid occurred Friday, May 30, just as staff were preparing for the dinner crowd.
Customers and employees were caught off guard when ICE agents in tactical gear stormed the restaurant. Witnesses said the scene turned chaotic, with smoke filling the air and patrons shouting at agents.
Lyons’ defense
When asked about his agency’s use of masks, Lyons said the protective measure is necessary to safeguard agents and their families, citing threats and instances of online doxxing.
“I’m sorry if people are offended by them wearing masks, but I’m not going to let my officers and agents go out there and put their lives on the line, their family on the line, because people don’t like what immigration enforcement is,” Lyons said at a press conference in Boston. “Is that the issue here that we’re upset about, the masks? Or is anyone upset about the fact that ICE officers’ families were labeled terrorists?”
Lyons made the remark while announcing nearly 1,500 arrests in Massachusetts during a month-long deportation “surge operation.”
Remarks by other officials
Lyons may have been referencing comments made by San Diego Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera, who called ICE officers “state-sponsored terrorists” after the restaurant raid. The Department of Homeland Security called his statement “sickening,” but Elo-Rivera has not retracted the remark.
Democrats have also criticized the operation, including Gloria and U.S. Rep. Scott Peters of San Diego, who used more guarded language than Elo-Rivera to condemn the Trump administration’s tactics during the raid of the food establishment.
“Federal actions like these are billed as a public safety measure, but it had the complete opposite effect,” Gloria said. “What we saw undermines trust and creates fear in our community.”
Conservative critics weigh in
Conservative commentator Bill Kristol also criticized ICE agents wearing masks. During a Monday appearance on CNN Newsnight, Kristol dismissed the agency’s justification.
“It’s pathetic to pretend that, ‘Oh, we’re so concerned about their safety, they have to wear masks,’” Kristol said. “I grew up in New York City – 40,000 cops, extremely dangerous circumstances. None of them were masked except in extremely rare occasions when they were going after some gang leader who might have relatives who go after them. ICE agents have functioned in this country. They didn’t wear masks. They shouldn’t wear masks. It’s total nonsense, and it’s for intimidation. It’s not really for their protection. It’s ridiculous.”
What the law says
ICE’s internal policies do not specifically prohibit masks. However, states like Massachusetts require law enforcement – including ICE agents – to identify themselves and carry photo identification. According to CBS News, what qualifies as sufficient ID remains somewhat subjective.
Bruce Foucart, a former Assistant Director for Homeland Security Investigations, told CBS News that ICE agents aren’t required to verbally identify themselves but should carry visible credentials, especially during public arrests.
Foucart also clarified that ICE typically uses administrative warrants issued by the Department of Homeland Security, not judicial warrants. These allow agents to enter private property but do not grant authority to conduct searches.
Broader debate
The use of masks has become a flashpoint in the larger debate over large-scale immigration enforcement operations and the militarization of tactics in civilian spaces.
Critics argue that masks reduce accountability and foster fear – especially when used in public settings like restaurants. They also challenge the need for facial concealment, citing a study that shows undocumented immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born citizens.
Lyons, however, insists that such operations often involve dangerous individuals and that disguises are necessary for safety.
The numbers
During an appearance on Fox & Friends over the weekend, Lyons said ICE is now averaging around 1,600 arrests per day. That’s a sharp rise from earlier figures – roughly 650 arrests daily between Jan. 20 and May 10, totaling just under 80,000, according to ABC News.
ICE alleges that more than half of those arrested in May had serious criminal records, including convictions for murder, child rape and drug trafficking.
San Diego restaurant raid
ICE announced on Monday that the operation at the Italian restaurant Buona Forchetta led to the arrest of four undocumented individuals. Law enforcement officials said they were executing criminal search warrants and alleged the restaurant was engaged in illegal hiring practices. ICE acknowledged deploying flash-bangs during the operation, saying the crowd had become “unruly.”
“When gatherings like these are formed, it not only places law enforcement in danger but also the demonstrators/onlookers attempting to impede law enforcement activity,” ICE said in a statement.
Restaurant owners respond
The restaurant’s owners announced they would close both of their Southern California locations temporarily, and explained in a statement: “We wish we could find stronger words, but the truth is we are heartbroken. The traumatic incident involving a federal law enforcement operation at our original and beloved South Park location has left a mark on all of us. A wound that is still raw, still echoing in our kitchens, our dining rooms, and our hearts.”
