California's governor has signed a bill to ban local and federal law enforcement officers, including with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from wearing face masks while on duty.
The ban, which comes into effect on 1 January 2026, is part of a series of bills that aims to protect residents from what Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom has called secret police roaming the streets.
US Attorney Bill Essayli, a Trump appointee, stated that California has no jurisdiction over the federal government, adding that the law has no effect on our operations and agents will continue to protect their identities.
The ban is in response to federal agents wearing masks during Los Angeles immigration raids.
The law makes exceptions for undercover agents, masks used to protect against disease or wildfires, and tactical gear.
President Donald Trump has ramped up immigration enforcement as a priority in his second term.
California State Senator Scott Wiener, a Democrat who represents San Francisco, wrote the bill in response. No one wants masked officers roaming their communities and kidnapping people with impunity, he said.
Alongside the mask ban, new legislation requires law enforcement to identify themselves by name and badge number while performing their duties. It also contains provisions to protect students from immigration enforcement on school grounds without proper warrants.
Newsom emphasized, Immigrants have rights and we have the right to stand up and push back. The legislation has sparked varied reactions, with some calling it necessary for public safety and others labeling it as dangerous for law enforcement.
