California's governor has signed a bill to ban local and federal law enforcement officers, including those with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from wearing face masks while on duty.
The ban, which comes into effect on 1 January 2026, is part of a series of bills aimed at protecting residents from what Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has called 'secret police' roaming the streets.
US Attorney Bill Essayli, a Trump appointee, stated that California 'has no jurisdiction over the federal government,' adding that the law has 'no effect on our operations' and agents 'will continue to protect their identities.'
The legislation is a response to federal agents wearing masks during Los Angeles immigration raids.
The law makes exceptions for undercover agents, masks used to protect against disease or wildfires, and tactical gear.
This new law comes as President Donald Trump has ramped up immigration enforcement during his second term.
In June, a series of federal immigration raids in LA sparked violent protests against the Trump administration and ICE.
As a reaction to the unrest, Trump deployed 700 US Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to the city to restore order.
California State Senator Scott Wiener, a Democrat representing San Francisco, wrote the bill in response, emphasizing that 'no one wants masked officers roaming their communities and kidnapping people with impunity.'
The legislation follows a Supreme Court ruling that allows immigration enforcement stops without reasonable suspicion, permitting officers to question and detain individuals based solely on their race, language, or employment.
Additionally, the law mandates law enforcement officials to identify themselves by name and badge number while performing their duties.
New laws signed by Newsom also limit federal agents from entering school sites without a warrant and require families to be informed if officers arrive at schools.
Governor Newsom asserted, 'Immigrants have rights, and we have the right to stand up and push back.'
In contrast, Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned California's legislation as 'despicable,' warning that it puts officers at risk.
This legislation marks a significant stand by California against federal immigration enforcement tactics, echoing earlier challenges from other cities facing similar pressures.
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