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The administration of President Donald Trump defended the use of masks and facial coverings by agents of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), amid a growing political controversy over immigration operations and funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
According to a report by Fox News, officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) argue that the measure is necessary in light of the significant increase in assaults and violent threats against federal officers amid the tightening of immigration policy.
The so-called border czar of the White House, Tom Homan, acknowledged that wearing masks can cause discomfort, but insisted that agents must protect themselves.
"I don't like masks, but these men and women have to protect themselves," he stated in a television interview.
According to data cited by DHS, assaults against ICE agents have increased by over 1,300%, while death threats have reportedly surged by up to 8,000% compared to previous periods.
The organization also noted an increase in attacks involving vehicles and in campaigns of harassment and dissemination of personal data online.
Among the mentioned incidents are physical assaults during operations and threats directed at the families of agents. The Department of Justice has promised to prosecute those who incite or commit violent acts against immigration officials.
The controversy intensified after Democratic leaders in Congress demanded that federal agents operate without masks as a condition to move forward with a budget agreement to resolve the partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security.
The leader of the Democratic minority in the House of Representatives described the removal of masks as a "red line" in the negotiations.
From the White House, they insist that the priority is to ensure the safety of the officers while carrying out operations in cities like Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Chicago, and New Orleans, where raids have intensified.
ICE maintains that collaboration with state and local agencies, along with protective measures for its agents, is key to fulfilling its mission of enforcing immigration laws and enhancing national security in a context of high political tension.
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