California bans face masks for ICE agents
4 hours ago
- #law-enforcement
- #immigration
- #California
- California Gov. Newsom signed a law banning federal immigration agents from wearing masks while interacting with the public, effective Jan. 1.
- The law, part of a package opposing 'secret police' tactics, aims to prevent racial profiling and authoritarian policing.
- Exemptions include state police, tactical teams, undercover assignments, and protective gear like gas masks.
- Violations could result in civil infractions or misdemeanors, especially if linked to abuse of power.
- A related bill requires officers to display their name and badge number, with exceptions for undercover work.
- Newsom also signed laws limiting immigration raids in hospitals and schools, effective immediately.
- The Trump administration criticized the law, claiming it endangers officers and their families.
- California has transferred over 10,000 inmates to ICE custody since Newsom took office, despite opposing some federal tactics.
- 70.8% of people in ICE detention have no criminal conviction, according to Syracuse University data.