Conservative Bill Kristol Flames ‘Ridiculous’ ICE Agents Wearing Masks: ‘It’s for Intimidation’

Conservative Bill Kristol ripped federal law enforcement officials who wear masks while they arrest immigrants.

Since President Donald Trump took office again, social media has been rife with videos showing agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement arresting undocumented immigrants, as well as those who are in the country legally. Oftentimes, the agents are wearing face coverings in order to avoid being publicly identified. ICE Director Todd Lyons has claimed the coverings are necessary for the officers’ safety.

“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,” he said. Lyons made the remarks amid backlash over a viral video from the weekend, where heavily armed ICE officials in tactical gear were captured on camera raiding a restaurant in San Diego.

The restaurant’s owners closed the establishment for two days, stating, “The traumatic incident involving a federal enforcement operation at our original and beloved South Park location has left a mark on all of us.”

On Monday’s CNN NewsNight, the panel debated whether it is appropriate for ICE agents to wear masks. Kristol was unequivocal in his condemnation.

“I mean, it’s pathetic to pretend that, ‘Oh, we’re so concerned about their safety, they have to wear masks,'” he 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.”

Watch above via CNN.