JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri State Representative Ray Reed (HD-83) has introduced House Bill 2520 to require that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating in Missouri clearly identify themselves when engaging with the public, including displaying visible credentials and refraining from wearing masks or other face coverings except in limited, narrowly defined safety situations.
This proposal comes amid breaking news out of Minneapolis, where an ICE officer shot and killed a U.S. Citizen during a federal immigration enforcement operation earlier today.
“Moments like this remind us why we strive for openness and accountability,” Rep. Reed, D-St. Louis, said. “Across our country, people are now fearful when federal agents operate in plain clothes, without clear identification, and without accountability. In Minneapolis today, a life was lost in a confrontation that cries out for clarity, not confusion. People have a right to know who is at their door, what authority they carry, and why they are there.”
Reed made clear that this legislation does not impede the ability of federal authorities to enforce the law. Instead, it reflects a basic principle deeply rooted in American democratic tradition: transparency builds trust, and trust strengthens public safety.
“In Missouri, when local law enforcement interacts with our families, with our children, they do so openly with badges, names, and accountability,” Reed said. “Why should it be any different when federal authorities operate in our neighborhoods? Especially if, as we are seeing in real time, these encounters can turn tragic.”
Reed noted that families and workers alike deserve reassurance that when an individual in uniform or in unmarked gear approaches them, that encounter is governed by law, transparency, and respect for human dignity.
“We mourn every life lost to violence in our communities,” Reed continued. “And we owe it to every Missourian and every American to ask the hard questions about how federal enforcement is carried out, how it is accountable to the people it purports to protect, and how we can prevent needless fear and tragedy.”
The bill will be considered during the current legislative session. Reed said he looks forward to working with colleagues across the aisle to ensure that Missouri remains a state where justice and transparency go hand in hand.
Representative Ray Reed proudly serves as the State Representative for Missouri’s 83rd House District, which includes vibrant communities across the St. Louis region, including Brentwood, Maplewood, Richmond Heights, Shrewsbury, and portions of Affton. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2024. For more information, please contact Rep. Reed’s office at 573-751-2883 or via email at Ray.Reed@House.Mo.Gov.