Bill Proposed By The State Would Ban Officers From Wearing Face Masks

California lawmakers have introduced a new bill that would make it a misdemeanor for officers to cover their faces during operations unless under specific exemptions. The legislation, co-authored by State Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguin, responds to growing public concern over masked agents involved in recent immigration raids. If passed, it would require all local, state, and federal officers operating in California to display identifying information and keep their faces visible while on duty—excluding National Guard troops, SWAT teams, and officers responding to health or natural disasters.

“We are seeing more and more law enforcement officers, particularly at the federal level, covering their faces entirely, not identifying themselves at all and, at times, even wearing army fatigues where we can’t tell if these are law enforcement officers or a vigilante militia,” Wiener said during the bill’s announcement. He added, “They are grabbing people off our streets and disappearing people, and it’s terrifying.”

The bill is fueled by viral footage of masked ICE agents using unmarked vehicles during detentions across California. These incidents have alarmed both the public and civil rights advocates, sparking calls for greater transparency and oversight. “Law enforcement officers are public servants and people should be able to see their faces, see who they are, know who they are. Otherwise, there is no transparency and no accountability,” Wiener said.

Critics of the proposal argue that the state cannot hold federal agents accountable. Ed Obayashi, a special prosecutor and police practices expert, noted, “Federal officers can’t be prosecuted by state courts for activities performed during their official duties... they are following federal directives.”

ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons defended the use of face coverings. “I’m sorry if people are offended by them wearing masks,” he said. “But I’m not going to let my officers and agents go out there and put their lives on the line, their family on the line because people don’t like what immigration enforcement is.”

The bill attempts to draw a line between legitimate safety concerns and what its backers see as an alarming erosion of public accountability. A vote has yet to be scheduled.

Link: FoxLA