California bans masks meant to hide law enforcement officers' identities
11 hours ago
- #Immigration
- #California
- #Law Enforcement
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law banning law enforcement from wearing masks on duty, except for specific exceptions like riot gear and medical masks.
- The law, called the 'No Secret Police Act,' responds to increased immigration enforcement in California, particularly in Los Angeles, where masked federal agents have detained people without clear identification.
- The law aims to establish state sovereignty limits on federal government actions within California, though its enforceability on federal agents may be decided in court.
- California law enforcement groups, including the California State Sheriff's Association, opposed the bill, calling it dangerous for officers and their families.
- The law also includes provisions requiring law enforcement to display identification, notifying schools and parents of immigration enforcement presence, and restricting ICE access to schools and healthcare facilities without warrants.
- Advocates like NorCal Resist support the law as a basis for challenging federal government abuses, despite potential enforcement limitations.