stock air intake tube

[new jeep owner]

it looks like it has an air deflector or maybe its to keep rain out when driving.
will it restrict air flow?
would it hurt any thing if I re move it?
sorry for the poor quality pic it was getting dark before I thought to take pictures. :disgust:

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[LibertyTC]

Personally I would leave it alone. Overall the stock intake works very well and offers quiet performance without high pitch squeals at highway speeds.
I think forward deflector is made for water to roll off to the side should you encounter the deep zone.