ICE agents’ mask usage is meant to sow terror and fear | Opinion

Horrendous practice

“California law targets ICE agents’ use of masks,” (sacbee.com, July 22)

When ICE sweeps people off the streets without identifying themselves and holds them in detention without due process or contact with their families, it is acting as if this country were a repressive totalitarian government. Justifying this practice as a thinly veiled need to protect ICE officers’ safety and security is absurd. Other local, state or federal law enforcement officers who also face safety dangers carry out their duties without the need for masks.

The purpose of this ICE practice is solely to intimidate and sow terror and fear in our communities. California Senate Bill 627 — as well as federal legislation — is needed to reject this horrendous policing practice.

Shirlie Marymee

North Highlands

Schiff’s silence

“Immigration arrests in California soar under second Trump term,” (sacbee.com, July 23)

The scale of the unconstitutional actions taken by President Donald Trump has been reported on in excruciating detail, including in this story on his immigration actions in California. So why is it so hard for Rep. Adam Schiff to respond?

When asked last week by watchdog organization Citizens’ Impeachment whether he believed that Trump had committed impeachable offenses, Schiff’s office did not reply.

In 2023, Schiff responded to censure by saying he would impeach Trump again “in a heartbeat — if the circumstances should ever require it.” In 2025, however, he has remained silent even though the unconstitutional actions of this unfit president demand impeachment.

His silence on impeachment is a serious issue for his constituents, the country and his capacity to represent California.

Andrea Scully

Fair Oaks

No more forever chemicals

“CA must stop using forever chemicals that harm our health,” (sacbee.com, Aug. 11, 2023)

Cookware is the poster child for the use of harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

California has already phased out these “forever chemicals” in multiple products, including textiles and firefighting foam, but not in cookware.

Senate Bill 682 would phase out PFAS in cookware and other products where safer alternatives exist. The independent scientific and medical community supports SB 682 and swift action to reduce exposures to toxic PFAS.

Unfortunately, cookware manufacturers that make both PFAS (Teflon)- nonstick pans and PFAS-free alternatives are attempting to block the passage of the bill. They claim Teflon is safe, contrary to the conclusions of California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control and independent scientists.

Katie Pelch

Senior scientist, Natural Resources Defense Council

Elder protections needed

“Sacramento grand jury finds 97% of financial elder abuse cases not prosecuted,” (sacbee.com, June 5)

Recently, a bipartisan group of attorneys general warned Meta that their platforms are enabling scammers to rob seniors through fake online advertisements. As a nurse and caregiver for over 35 years, I’ve seen the heartbreaking fallout up close.

Most of these cases often aren’t even investigated, let alone prosecuted. Everyone has a role in preventing these crimes that disrupt lives. No single entity can tackle the systemic problem alone. It will only worsen as scammers become more sophisticated.

We need greater investment in elder protection: social workers, trained law enforcement and public education campaigns for caregivers and families. Seniors deserve dignity and safety — not to be at the mercy of internet con artists.

Paige Nees, RN

Rolling Hills Estates

Protect landlines

“These California Senators want to stress public safety over partisan politics,” (sacbee.com, July 2)

Landlines have saved countless lives in California. But AB 470 allows AT&T to shut them off.

Many Californians rely on copper landlines, which AT&T wants to eliminate. This essential infrastructure — the safest, most resilient, dependable and time-tested telephone network — functions during power outages and most emergencies, reliably connecting people to loved ones, 911, doctors and emergency personnel, with exact location data.

People receive updates and evacuation notices on landlines during disasters, fires and public safety power shutoffs, when batteries on cell phones and VoiP systems have died. The elderly, disabled and those with medical conditions especially need 24/7 access to family and physicians. Other modes aren’t reliable even in urban areas.

Nina Beety

Monterey