Detroit is a city built on resilience, accountability, and community trust.

As immigration enforcement activity increases nationwide, many residents are asking a simple question: When armed officers conduct enforcement operations in our neighborhoods, shouldn’t we be able to see who they are?

Recent fatal federal immigration enforcement incidents in Minnesota — involving masked agents — have heightened concern across the Midwest. Regardless of political views on immigration policy, most Detroiters agree that law enforcement operating in public should be clearly identifiable.

Masked enforcement creates unnecessary fear. It can escalate situations, cause bystanders to misinterpret events, and even open the door to impersonation crimes. When officers are identifiable, it protects everyone — including the officers themselves — by ensuring clear accountability and reducing confusion.

St. Paul has already passed an ordinance requiring officers to show their faces and wear identifying badges. Detroit should adopt similar safeguards.

This is about ensuring that enforcement within Detroit’s boundaries is conducted transparently and safely. Any ordinance can and should include narrow exemptions for tactical operations, protective gear in hazardous conditions, and legitimate medical needs.

We call on the Detroit City Council and Mayor Mary Sheffield to advance an ordinance that bans any law enforcement officer conducting enforcement activities in Detroit — including federal agents — from wearing identity-obscuring masks and require visible identification.

Detroit residents deserve clarity, safety, and accountability in their streets.