Los Angeles County Moves to Restrict Concealed Identities of Law Enforcement
Los Angeles County supervisors took a step Tuesday toward prohibiting law enforcement officers, including those enforcing federal immigration laws, from concealing their identities while operating in unincorporated areas of the county. The proposed ordinance requires all officers to visibly display identification and clearly indicate their agency affiliation.
The move stems from resident concerns regarding recent immigration enforcement operations where federal agents, frequently enough wearing masks or neck gaiters, have conducted apprehensions in public spaces like street corners and parking lots. Reports indicate agents have frequently declined to identify themselves as affiliated with federal immigration enforcement.
While the ordinance passed with a 4-0 vote – Supervisor Kathryn Barger abstained – its legality is already being questioned. county counsel Dawyn Harrison anticipates a legal challenge from the federal government, citing the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, which establishes federal law as overriding conflicting local regulations.
Despite the likely legal battle, Supervisor Janice Hahn, the ordinance’s primary sponsor, expressed willingness to fight the issue in court. “If this leads to a fight with the federal government in the courts, I think it’s a fight worth having,” she stated.
The Department of Homeland security has defended the practice of agents concealing their identities, arguing it’s necessary to protect them from being publicly identified and perhaps “doxed.”
The ordinance requires a second approval vote next week and, if passed, would take effect in January 2026. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, a co-author of the motion, emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “If you carry the power of a badge here, you must be visible, accountable and identifiable to the people you serve.” Supervisor Barger previously voiced concerns about the potential for a costly and unsuccessful legal challenge.
