California Restricts police Use of Masks, Bolsters Protections for Students and Healthcare Patients
SACRAMENTO, CA – California Governor gavin Newsom signed a series of bills into law Saturday, substantially restricting the use of masks by law enforcement and increasing protections for immigrant communities.One new law prohibits most local and federal police agencies from using masks during operations,a measure proponents say aims to increase accountability and transparency. Together, legislation was enacted to limit the presence of federal immigration agents in schools and healthcare facilities without proper authorization.
Thes actions represent a clear response to concerns over policing tactics and the impact of federal immigration enforcement on vulnerable populations. The mask restriction,while allowing exceptions for specific tactical situations,is intended to address public distrust stemming from obscured officer identities during protests and other encounters. The new protections for schools and healthcare centers aim to create safe spaces for students and patients, ensuring they can access essential services without fear of deportation.
Assemblyman Al Muratsuchi, a Torrance Democrat, championed the “California Secure Refuge School Law,” stating, “Students cannot learn if they live in fear of being deported.” The law mandates that schools notify parents and teachers of any Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) presence on campus. It prevents immigration agents from entering schools and health centers without a valid court order.
Newsom’s actions follow earlier legislative authorization of $50 million for the California Department of Justice and other legal groups, resulting in over 40 legal challenges against the Trump governance.The bills signal a continued commitment by California to resist federal policies perceived as harmful to its residents.
