As federal immigration agents have ratcheted up enforcement raids, critics warn that their tactic of masking spreads fear and panic across communities.

An ICE spokesperson told CBS New York the masks are optional but that "ICE law enforcement and their families are being targeted and are facing a 500% increase in assaults ... due to the demonization of ICE by hostile groups and irresponsible elected officials."

Federal immigration agents would be banned from wearing most face coverings but be required to wear visible ID during public enforcement operations, according to a proposal from Democratic U.S. Sens.

A bit of background: On the July 2 episode of his enormously popular podcast, “ The Joe Rogan Experience ,” Rogan vented about ICE agents conducting indiscriminate round-ups of undocumented and non-criminal Latino immigrants.