In old Western movies, the bad guys always had a bandana covering their face before they held up a stagecoach. In more modern movies, the bad guys have nylon stockings over their faces before they rob a bank or kidnap an heiress.

In today’s real world, ICE agents cover their faces before they storm into a restaurant, a packing plant, or a home to take an immigrant away from their work and family.

Are ICE agents bad guys? I do not doubt that most of them are good, decent people in their private lives. I’m sure they love their families and mow their lawns. But when I see the video of these mask-wearing agents wrestling some poor guy to the ground at the West Omaha Early Bird restaurant, they remind me of any other street gang holding up a liquor store. The masks cover their identity and create fear.

For years, I’ve heard politicians say they support immigration as long as it’s done legally. I always felt that was a lie because the immigration laws haven’t changed in generations. If they actually supported legal immigration, they could have changed the laws to make getting into this country legally a lot easier.

A little over a year ago, the Senate tried to fix the problem. They passed a bipartisan immigration bill to shore up the borders, increase the number of immigration judges, and end catch-and-release, among other provisions. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson refused to bring it to the floor because Donald Trump wanted to use illegal immigration as a campaign issue.

This country was built by immigrants. Historically, they weren’t always treated fairly, but we at least gave lip service that said they were welcome. The Statue of Liberty proudly says, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-lost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Perhaps we should replace that with a new sign that says. “Under New Management.”

I am not suggesting that we have open borders. And obviously, if we catch someone bringing illegal drugs across the border, or committing crimes once they are here, they should be punished to the full extent of the law. But why punish someone because they want to make a better life for themselves or study in our universities? Why shouldn’t a person who was brought across the border as a child be allowed to stay here to live as an adult and work in peace? Why can’t they pass reasonable legislation to make it easier to come in the front door legally?

Because this administration doesn’t want immigrants in this country at all, they want to rule in fear.

Take a look at some of the people who surround President Trump. Stephan Miller looks like a Batman villain, but he is actually the White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and United States Homeland Security Advisor. During Trump’s first term, he orchestrated the policy of separating children from their families at the border, the travel bans, and limiting the number of refugees. He also prevented the publication of a government document that showed the positive effects of immigration. Now he has even more power and fewer restraints. On the surface, he gives out bad vibes. When you dig a little deeper, it’s even worse.

Then there’s Tom Homan. He likes locking immigrants up. And if occasionally a legal immigrant gets sent to a foreign prison, well, that’s just the cost of doing business in his book.

They say the reason the ICE officers wear masks is because they don’t want their names and likenesses plastered all over social media. They do it to protect their families. And that may be partially true. Yet somehow, Omaha police, Douglas County Sheriffs, and other law enforcement officials arrest people every day. They have warrants from the courts and faces in full view.

I believe the masks are an attempt to stoke fear into the population. Not only the immigrant population, but natural-born Americans as well.

This whole administration is fear-based. Take a look at the official Presidential Portrait. His first picture this term was reminiscent of his mug shot. Four months later, they replaced it with an even darker, meaner look.

ICE agents might have their faces covered when they abduct someone. But when it comes to the mean attempts of intimidation of this administration, the masks are off.

Tom Becka is a long time Nebraska broadcaster who for over 30 years has been covering Omaha and Midwest issues on both radio and TV. He has been a guest on numerous national cable and news shows, filled in for nationally syndicated talk radio programs and Talkers Magazine has recognized him as one of the Top 100 talk show hosts in the country 10 times. Never afraid to ruffle some feathers, his ‘Becka’s Beat’ commentaries can be found online on Youtube and other digital platforms.

Opinions expressed by columnists in The Daily Record are not necessarily those of its management or staff, and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation. Any errors or omissions should be called to our attention so that they may be corrected. Contact us at news@omahadailyrecord.com.