HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — As the Trump administration carries out its immigration crackdown, some Pennsylvania lawmakers want to make it illegal for law enforcement to wear face masks.

The covered face of law enforcement has become a contentious symbol across the country. The administration has defended it, saying immigration enforcement face harassments and threats over their work.

A group of Pennsylvania lawmakers led by Rep. Paul Friel (D-Chester County) see it differently.

“Current federal practices, particularly the deployment of masked or unidentifiable personnel, contradict core public safety principles and blur the line between lawful authority and unlawful coercion,” the eight Democratic state representatives said in a co-sponsorship memo circulated to House members Thursday.

In the memo, the lawmakers said they plan to propose legislation that would prohibit government agents and law enforcement from wearing masks in the state while requiring them to wear identifiable uniforms or clothing. Mandatory identification would include an officer or agent’s name or badge number and department or agency name.

Failure to adhere to the legislation would include civil penalties for law enforcement. It provides an exemption for undercover work and health emergencies.

The memo said the recent practice of Homeland Security and U.S. Border Patrol agents acting without identification “has created an unsafe environment for both citizens and law enforcement officers.”

Lawmakers cited high-profile incidents involving individuals impersonating law enforcement, including the deadly shooting targeting Minnesota lawmakers last month.

Prosecutors said Vance Boelter, 57, was driving a fake squad car, wearing a realistic rubber mask that covered his head and wearing tactical gear when he allegedly assassinated former Minnesota Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, after shooting another lawmaker and his spouse.

“In a climate of growing distrust and rising security threats, these deceptions undermine public trust and pose direct dangers to citizens, public officials and legitimate officers alike,” the lawmakers said.

The proposed legislation includes increased penalties for impersonating law enforcement or unauthorized use of identifying uniforms or insignia, as well as mandatory minimums for impersonation in the context of violence or attempted violence.