Fact Check: Federal agents in plainclothes are becoming increasingly common across the U.S.

Fact Check: "Federal agents in plainclothes are becoming increasingly common across the U.S."

What We Know

The claim that federal agents in plainclothes are becoming increasingly common in the U.S. is supported by recent legislative proposals and reports. For instance, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman and Congressman Don Beyer introduced the ICE Visibility Act of 2025, which aims to require Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to wear identifiable uniforms during their interactions with the public. They cited numerous instances of plainclothes officers engaging in actions that have raised public safety concerns, including reports of officers impersonating federal law enforcement and conducting arrests without visible identification (source-2, source-3).

Reports indicate that the use of plainclothes officers has led to a significant increase in public fear and distrust towards law enforcement, as these officers often operate without clear identification (source-2). Furthermore, there has been a notable rise in assaults against ICE agents, which some attribute to the contentious nature of their operations (source-1).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes primarily from legislative actions and reports of incidents involving plainclothes federal agents. The introduction of the ICE Visibility Act reflects a growing concern among lawmakers regarding the safety implications of plainclothes operations. The act aims to enhance transparency and accountability in law enforcement, suggesting that the current use of plainclothes agents is indeed a recognized issue (source-2).

However, while there are documented instances of plainclothes operations, the extent to which they are becoming "increasingly common" is less clear. Reports from various regions, such as Fresno, California, illustrate specific incidents involving plainclothes immigration agents, but these may not represent a nationwide trend (source-7). The reliability of sources varies; government press releases, like those from the Department of Homeland Security, are typically credible but may carry a bias towards portraying the agency positively (source-1). Conversely, reports from advocacy groups and media outlets may highlight concerns but could also reflect a particular viewpoint on immigration enforcement.

Conclusion

The claim that federal agents in plainclothes are becoming increasingly common across the U.S. is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence indicating that plainclothes operations are occurring and raising public safety concerns, the overall prevalence of such practices nationwide is not definitively established. Legislative efforts to address these issues suggest a recognition of the problem, but the data does not conclusively demonstrate a widespread increase in the use of plainclothes agents.

Sources

1. ICYMI: ICE Agents Now Face a 500% Increase in Assaults Against Them
2. Rep. Watson Coleman, Beyer Introduce Legislation to Increase Safety of Interactions Between ICE Officers and the Public
3. Rep. Watson Coleman, Beyer Introduce Legislation to Increase Safety of Interactions Between ICE Officers and the Public
4. Protected Areas and Courthouse Arrests
5. ICE detention: Recorded calls about overcrowding, lack of food at ICE detention centers
6. Trump Admin Says ICE Agents are the Real Victims Amid Violent Raids
7. Plainclothes immigration agents in Fresno spark chaos and concern