ICE chief and DHS condemn Boston Mayor Wu’s comments likening masked agents to extremist groups.

Federal Officials Defend Agents Amid Mask Controversy

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and top federal officials have publicly condemned Boston Mayor Michelle Wu for remarks suggesting similarities between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and extremist groups due to the agents’ use of masks. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons and U.S. Attorney Leah Foley stated the comments are not only inflammatory but place law enforcement personnel at increased risk.

“Stop putting my people in danger,” Lyons said in a video posted this week, directly addressing Mayor Wu and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. Lyons accused the two officials of spreading false narratives that have incited hostility toward federal agents. He warned that such rhetoric is “hurting real people with real families.”

The controversy erupted after Mayor Wu commented, “I don't know of any police department that routinely wears masks. NSC-131 routinely wears masks,” referring to a New England-based neo-Nazi group. When questioned about the comparison, Wu clarified, “What I said is that Boston police, and no police department that I know of at the local level, routinely wears masks.”

DHS responded swiftly via social media, stating, “Mayor Wu comparing ICE agents to neo-Nazis is SICKENING.” The agency defended its officers, noting they clearly identify themselves during operations and wear masks solely for safety, citing a 413% increase in assaults on ICE agents. The statement emphasized that masks are used to shield agents from threats posed by “known and suspected gang members, murderers, and rapists.”

Adding to the defense, U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts Leah Foley released a video asserting that “Federal agents and their children are being threatened, doxxed and assaulted. That is why they must hide their faces.” She blamed the rising danger on false narratives promoted by elected officials.

Mayor Wu’s remarks were not isolated. In a separate interview with WBUR, she said, “People are terrified for their lives and for their neighbors,” describing agents as “secret police” detaining individuals without explanation.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries further inflamed the debate by stating that ICE agents engaging in “aggressive overreach” and masking their identities would eventually be exposed. “They will all be identified no matter what it takes,” he said, claiming the law demands accountability.

The rhetoric comes amid two contentious incidents. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., claimed on social media that she was shoved by ICE. However, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey Alina Habba later announced McIver had been charged under Title 18, Section 111(a)(1) for allegedly assaulting and impeding law enforcement officers.

In a separate matter, Rep. Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., said that DHS agents “forcefully entered” his Manhattan office and handcuffed a staff member. DHS clarified that Federal Protective Service (FPS) officers entered the office after reports of protests. Officers identified themselves and detained one individual briefly after a confrontation during a routine security check. All individuals were released without further incident.

As of Thursday, neither Mayor Wu nor Rep. Jeffries had responded to requests for comment. The conflict underscores mounting tensions between federal enforcement agencies and Democratic leadership, with safety, transparency, and political messaging at the center of the dispute.