California is set to ban most law enforcement officers, including those with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from wearing face masks while performing their duties. This new legislation, slated to take effect on January 1, 2026, is part of a broader effort by Governor Gavin Newsom to curb what he describes as the actions of “secret police” operating within the state.
The move comes in response to federal agents being seen wearing masks during immigration enforcement actions in Los Angeles, which drew criticism and sparked protests. State Senator Scott Wiener, who authored the bill, emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “No one wants masked officers roaming their communities and kidnapping people with impunity.”
However, the effectiveness of the law concerning federal agencies like ICE has been questioned. US Attorney Bill Essayli, a Trump appointee, stated that California lacks jurisdiction over federal operations and that ICE agents will continue their current practices to protect their identities.
The law does include exceptions for undercover officers, essential protective gear against diseases or wildfires, and tactical equipment. This development occurs amidst a heightened focus on immigration enforcement, with President Donald Trump prioritizing such actions during his potential second term. Following immigration raids in Los Angeles in June, federal authorities deployed additional military personnel to the city.
In addition to the mask ban, the new legislation mandates that law enforcement officials must clearly identify themselves by name and badge number while on duty. Other related measures signed by Governor Newsom prohibit school officials from allowing federal agents onto school grounds for immigration enforcement without a warrant or court order, and require schools to inform families of such visits. Similar protections are extended to hospital and emergency room areas.
The Department of Homeland Security has criticized the new law, with Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin calling it “despicable” and an attempt to endanger officers, suggesting it contributes to the “vilification and demonization” of law enforcement. This is not the first instance of California officials challenging federal immigration policies; the mayor of Chicago recently enacted similar measures to resist federal immigration crackdowns.