California bans most law enforcement including ICE from wearing masks

September 21, 2025

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed legislation banning law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, from wearing face masks while on duty, effective January 2026. The bill is part of a package of measures designed to protect residents from what Newsom termed "secret police" following controversial immigration raids in Los Angeles. While federal officials claim the state has no jurisdiction over federal operations, the legislation includes exceptions for undercover work, health protection, and tactical gear.

Who is affected

California residents, particularly immigrants
Federal and local law enforcement officers, especially ICE agents
School officials and employees
Families with children in schools
Hospital staff and patients

What action is being taken

California is implementing a ban on face masks for law enforcement, effective January 2026
The state is requiring officers to identify themselves by name and badge number
New laws are prohibiting school officials from allowing federal immigration agents to enter school sites without warrants
Schools are being required to inform families when officers arrive
Hospitals are restricting access to non-public areas for officers without judicial warrants

Why it matters

The legislation responds to controversial federal immigration raids in Los Angeles that sparked violent protests
It represents a direct challenge between state authority and federal immigration enforcement
The Supreme Court has ruled immigration enforcement stops can continue without reasonable suspicion
According to Senator Scott Wiener, the bill aims to prevent "masked officers roaming communities and kidnapping people with impunity"
Federal officials consider the legislation "despicable" and claim it endangers officers who "put their lives on the line"

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC