Seattle working toward banning ICE agents from wearing face masks

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell signed two executive orders on Wednesday to counter potential federal actions by President Donald Trump’s administration.

The first order prepares for increased Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity. Harrell directed the city council to draft an ordinance banning law enforcement from wearing face masks—except in limited cases—and requiring visible agency identification. He said masked, unidentified agents “erode accountability and sow fear.” The Seattle Police Department will develop enforcement procedures, and the city would be the first major U.S. city with such a ban. Harrell also plans legislation to bar ICE operations on city property.

The second order outlines Seattle’s response if Trump deploys the National Guard to the city. It instructs departments to explore legal challenges to such a move and to coordinate with protest organizers to protect First Amendment rights while avoiding violence. Harrell said the city must be ready “to resist any encroachments” on local authority.