CNN political commentator Scott Jennings pushed back against Geraldo Rivera during a network panel discussion Thursday night, defending Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents following remarks that criticized their use of masks during operations.

The exchange began when Rivera questioned why ICE officers continue to wear masks during enforcement activity.

“Nobody wears masks. Only ICE. Only ICE,” Rivera said.

“And why is it? It’s because they are embarrassed by the job they have been tasked to do. It’s absolutely horrifying. Masks should be banned in law enforcement.”

Jennings responded by explaining that the practice is a safety measure rather than a political statement.

He pointed to recent threats and harassment directed toward ICE agents and their families, much of which he said has been fueled by online doxxing campaigns and political activism.

“Counterpoint: The reason they’re wearing masks, which, by the way, their director, Todd Lyons, is against the masks,” Jennings said.

“The reason they’re wearing them is because you have a dedicated group of people out there, and some of them, unfortunately, are Democrat political officials, who are doxxing them and their families and putting them in harm’s way. They face a thousand percent increase in violent attacks this year. These people are in harm’s way every day and they’re protecting themselves and their families.”

🫳🎤

GERALDO RIVERA: It’s horrifying. Masks must be BANNED in ALL law enforcement!

SCOTT JENNINGS: Counterpoint. The reason they’re wearing masks is because you have a dedicated group of people – including Democrat officials – DOXXING THEM and their FAMILIES, putting them in… pic.twitter.com/6oDfSQySND

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 24, 2025

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Jennings’ comments referenced a series of incidents across the country involving threats, physical violence, and exposure of ICE personnel identities.

Federal officials have confirmed a significant increase in assaults on agents in recent years, including multiple cases where personal addresses and family information were posted online.

One of the most serious incidents occurred in Dallas, where authorities said a man identified as Joshua Jahn opened fire on ICE agents.

Jahn reportedly struck and killed two migrant detainees before being apprehended.

The shooting, according to investigators, underscored the rising danger federal officers face as anti-ICE sentiment grows.

Jennings also noted that some elected officials and advocacy groups have publicly shared tools designed to track or report ICE activity.

Democratic Party platforms have hosted online features allowing users to submit details of immigration enforcement operations.

New York Attorney General Letitia James also introduced a reporting system encouraging residents to submit information about ICE encounters, citing “accountability” concerns.

Federal law enforcement officials have warned that such reporting mechanisms can lead to operational risks if they expose agents’ identities or ongoing investigations.

Jennings’ defense of ICE agents comes amid broader national debate over federal immigration enforcement and local resistance policies.

Dems claim ICE agents are wearing masks because they’re “embarrassed” of the work they’re doing.

Counterpoint: They’re wearing masks because there’s been a 1000% increase in attacks on ICE agents as leftists DOX and target them and their families.

They are under assault. pic.twitter.com/B6H6LB1SBO

— Scott Jennings (@ScottJenningsKY) October 24, 2025

In many major cities, including Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, Democratic leaders have promoted so-called “sanctuary” policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Townhall recently reported that a city alderman in Waukesha, Wisconsin, lost his job after he allegedly doxxed several men he believed to be ICE agents.

The men turned out to be local businessmen meeting for lunch. Officials said the misidentification could have led to serious consequences if private citizens had attempted to confront them.

Jennings’ comments follow months of heightened rhetoric surrounding immigration enforcement and federal authority.

ICE officials have repeatedly emphasized that anonymity measures, including the use of masks and unmarked vehicles, are intended to protect officers from retaliation, harassment, and potential violence.

Neither Rivera nor CNN management have commented further on the exchange. ICE’s leadership has not announced any changes to its current operational guidelines regarding officer identification or protective gear.

The Department of Homeland Security has not released updated statistics on recent threats to ICE agents but has acknowledged that hostility toward federal enforcement personnel has significantly increased since 2021.