California's governor has signed a bill to ban local and federal law enforcement officers, including those from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from wearing face masks while on duty.
The ban, effective from January 1, 2026, is part of a broader set of legislation aimed at protecting residents from what Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has described as 'secret police' activities.
US Attorney Bill Essayli, appointed during the Trump administration, responded that California lacks jurisdiction over federal operations, asserting that agents will continue to operate under the veil of anonymity as needed.
This legislative action follows incidents where federal agents wore masks during immigration enforcement raids in Los Angeles, raising concerns about accountability and community trust.
Exceptions to the mask ban include undercover operatives, masks used for health or wildfire protection, and tactical gear.
Newsom’s administration has faced criticism over intensified immigration enforcement during Trump's presidency, prompting California lawmakers to pass this bill in reaction to a spike in protests against federal actions.
California State Senator Scott Wiener, who introduced the bill, emphasized that communities should not live in fear of masked officers executing raids without justification. He asserted that California would continue to uphold the rule of law and protect individual freedoms.
The legislation has also been reinforced by a requirement for law enforcement to identify themselves by both name and badge number when conducting duties. Moreover, new laws restrict federal agents from entering school grounds without warrants, ensuring families are informed of such actions.
Governor Newsom stated, 'Immigrants have rights, and we have the right to stand up and push back.' Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security condemned the new rules as dangerous and detrimental to officer safety.
This move highlights a growing divide between state and federal approaches to immigration enforcement, with Californian leaders asserting a commitment to safeguarding immigrant communities.
