To the Editor:

I feel the need to reply to the recent letter asking why “left-wing nuts” are threatening “U.S. law enforcement officers” and their families [“Why do ICE officers wear masks?” The Altamont Enterprise, March 12, 2026].

I do not think anyone should be engaging in such behavior but do think criticizing the actions of ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] is not only appropriate, it is necessary. While not condoning threats of violence, I think that any threats to “law enforcement” have been largely limited to ICE, an enforcement agency that can legitimately be referred to as a rogue agency.

Most of its senior management have been replaced and it bears the honor of being the only law-enforcement organization facing protests from other law-enforcement agencies. It is also important to point out that it is only recently that ICE has felt the need to cover their faces and I believe it is because they recognize that their actions have appalled most Americans.

To lump ICE into the rest of law enforcement in this country is an insult to those who enforce the law with honor, discretion, and respect. Imagine if the Guilderland Police Department were to begin enforcing traffic laws in the same manner that ICE is enforcing immigration laws.

The Altamont Enterprise would need to print a stand-alone edition with all the letters they would receive. I must admit I simply do not understand folks who cannot see something so obvious and are unwilling to accept that maybe a “left-wing nut” should not be threatening ICE but just may have a point in criticizing their activities.

John McCarthy

Albany