Why are these federal agents wearing face coverings? Is that policy now?

[markpkessinger]

18. I believe there are several dimensions/factors/motivations involved . . .

First, it is intended as an intimidation tactic.

Second, it is to shield their identities from the public, so that in the event there is ever an attempt to prosecute any of them for their crimes against the citizenry, it will make it very difficult to identify individuals for charging purposes.

And third, I believe that it is an attempt by the agents to try to distance themselves from their own actions. What I mean is that I believe these agents know full well that what they are doing is wrong, and many may even feel pangs of guilt about it. So they need a way to psychologically distance themselves from what they are doing. When they don masks, they feel anonymous, which makes it easier to think of themselves as good, decent people, even as they carry out acts that their own consciences have trouble with.

That's my theory anyway.