DHS blasts City Council plan targeting ICE face coverings

• Councilmembers Flor Alvidrez and Shontel Lewis say the practice of officers wearing masks erodes public trust and sparks fear.

How it works: DPD would be responsible for enforcement, including arresting officers who violate the law, deputy legislative counsel Jon Griffin said.

Reality check: Marley Bordovsky, a lawyer at the City Attorney's Office, told council she's concerned about whether Denver police officers arresting ICE agents would mean local officers are violating federal law by interfering with federal agents' duties.

Between the lines: Undercover work, SWAT duties and tactical operations would still allow for face coverings under the proposal — carveouts bill sponsors said were made after hearing feedback from local law enforcement.

• Helmets, transparent face guards, medical masks and protective eye gear would also be exempt.

The other side: "Sanctuary politicians attempting to ban our federal law enforcement from wearing masks is despicable and a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers," DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement to Axios.

• "To be crystal clear: we will not abide by a city council's unconstitutional ban," McLaughlin said, saying masks protect agents from doxxing.

Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended ICE after an officer shot and killed a woman in Minneapolis last week.

What's next: No date is set for the bill's introduction.