Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer said some U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents operating in the county have been driving vehicles with no visible license plates and wearing masks that hide their faces.

In a statement posted Wednesday, Nov. 11, Dyer said residents had reported increased immigration enforcement activity in the days leading up to Nov. 11, including on Tuesday, Nov. 10. Community members shared videos and photos of the encounters, according to the statement.

"Some ICE agents have been seen driving unmarked vehicles with no visible license plates, and some have been fully masked," Dyer said. "We share our community's concern."

Dyer cited license-plate requirements in her statement. Michigan law generally requires registration plates to be attached to the rear of vehicles and kept visible and legible, with exceptions.

"When license plates and faces are hidden, people can't tell who they're dealing with, misconduct and excessive force are harder to report, and everyone is less safe," Dyer said.

How the Sheriff's Office identifies itself

Dyer described how her deputies identify themselves. Every Sheriff's Office vehicle, marked or unmarked, displays a visible rear plate, according to the statement. Deputies wear their names and agency insignia on their vests and will provide a name, badge number and business card on request.

"Local law enforcement does not conceal license plates," Dyer said.

She urged all ICE agents to keep their plates visible, their faces uncovered and their identities clear.

What residents can do

Dyer said residents who spot a vehicle with a concealed license plate can call 911. The Sheriff's Office said it will respond to reports of safety concerns or possible violations of Michigan law, document the situation and investigate when warranted, in accordance with its policies.

Residents have the right to observe, document and record encounters from a safe distance, according to the statement. But Dyer warned community members not to obstruct or interfere with ICE agents.

Residents who witness concerning activity can also file a report through the Michigan Department of Attorney General's Immigration Action Reporting Form.