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Dozens of residents urge Ulster County to require identification for masked federal agents
Summary
At a packed May 19 public hearing, more than two dozen residents and organizers urged the Ulster County Legislature to pass Local Law 7 of 2026, which would require public-facing federal law-enforcement personnel operating in the county to be identifiable. Speakers described fear, impersonation risks and barriers to accountability.
A large group of residents, student leaders and immigrant-rights organizers told the Ulster County Legislature on May 19 that a proposed local law to require identification of public-facing federal law-enforcement personnel would strengthen accountability and protect families.
"With a mask, they feel invincible," said Damon Eli, a Kingston resident and member of For the Many, describing unmarked, armed agents entering homes. Eli told the legislature that masks and anonymity remove personal accountability and terrorize communities.
Jackie Brownstein of New Paltz, speaking for Ulster ACT activists, said the proposed Local Law 7 of 2026 would restore "core democratic policing norms" and make residents safer by enabling complaints and oversight. "It invites potential abuse of power by an officer who cannot be identified," she said.
Jesus Lopez, who said he is protected under DACA, described daily fears in his community and told legislators that banning concealment would "even out the playing field" and make it easier to seek retribution when abuses occur.
Other speakers — including student trustee Gunnar Bednarz, volunteers with Ulster Rapid Response and organizers from For the Many and Ulster Immigrant Defense Network — recounted neighborhood encounters, argued that anonymity enables impersonation and urged passage. Jenna Goldstein, Ulster County community organizer at For the Many, framed the measure as a local check against federal actions.
Supporters repeatedly said the law is a baseline accountability measure rather than a ban on federal operations. "Show your face. Allow us to identify you," said Elliot Smith, a Kingston resident, describing the standard advocates seek.
The public hearing drew 24 signed speakers; the clerk closed the hearing after two rounds of public comment. The legislature did not vote on Local Law 7 during the May 19 meeting. The proposal will next move through the county's legislative process for committee review and a later vote.
Why it matters: Supporters said identifiable officers would make it possible to file complaints, reduce impersonation, and limit what they described as terrorizing tactics. Opponents were not recorded as speaking during this hearing; the legislature will have opportunity to review legal and enforcement implications in committee.
