California Restricts Masked Law enforcement, Bolsters Protections for Immigrant Communities
SACRAMENTO, CA – California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills into law saturday aimed at limiting the power of federal immigration enforcement within the state, most notably banning most law enforcement - including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – from wearing masks while conducting official duties. The legislation comes in direct response to concerns raised over federal agents wearing masks during recent immigration raids in Los Angeles.
The new law includes exceptions for undercover agents, masks used for protection against disease or wildfires, and standard tactical gear.It was authored by California State Senator Scott wiener (D-San Francisco), who stated, “No one wants masked officers roaming their communities and kidnapping people with impunity. California will continue to stand for the rule of law and for basic freedoms.”
The move follows a series of federal immigration raids in Los Angeles in June that sparked violent protests. President Donald Trump responded by deploying 700 US Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to the city.
Beyond the mask ban,the legislation expands protections for vulnerable populations. New laws require law enforcement officials to clearly identify themselves by name and badge number while on duty. Schools are now shielded from immigration enforcement actions without a warrant, court order, or judicial subpoena, and families must be informed when officers are present on school grounds. Student information and classrooms are also protected. Similar protections extend to non-public areas of hospitals and emergency rooms, requiring judicial warrants or court orders for access.
“Immigrants have rights and we have the right to stand up and push back,” newsom saeid.
The legislation arrives after a recent supreme Court ruling allowed immigration enforcement stops in Los Angeles to continue without requiring officers to have reasonable suspicion that a person may be in the US illegally. This ruling permits officers to question and detain individuals based on characteristics like race, language, or job.
The Department of Homeland Security swiftly condemned the new laws. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin released a statement calling the legislation “despicable” and a “flagrant attempt to endanger our officers,” adding that the rhetoric surrounding the issue is “contributing to the surge in assaults of officers through their repeated vilification and demonization.”
This action by California is part of a broader trend of local officials challenging federal immigration policies. In August, the mayor of Chicago signed an order outlining the city’s resistance to potential immigration crackdowns threatened by the Trump administration.
