SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California lawmakers have approved a bill that would prevent most law enforcement officers from covering their faces during operations, responding to recent immigration raids in Los Angeles.
Even if Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the bill, the state’s ability to enforce it on federal agents carrying out those raids remains uncertain.
This marks the first mask-ban bill approved by any state legislature. Lawmakers in several other states — including Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania — as well as Democrats in Congress, have introduced similar proposals.
The California Legislature, controlled by Democrats, passed the bill Thursday as part of a series of measures addressing immigration enforcement.
The legislation bans neck gaiters, ski masks, and other face coverings for both local and federal officers — including immigration agents — while they conduct official duties. Exceptions apply to undercover work, medical masks such as N95 respirators, and tactical gear.
Gov. Newsom has about a month to decide. While he has criticized federal agents for wearing masks during arrests, he also questioned in July whether California has authority over federal officers. His office said Friday it typically does not comment on pending bills.
Supporters argued the law is essential, especially after the Supreme Court allowed federal immigration operations in Los Angeles to continue for now.
Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, vice chair of the Latino caucus, said the ruling “effectively allows federal agents [to] stop suspects based solely on their race, language, or job.”
“How is anyone supposed to reasonably believe that they are law enforcement officers and not masked individuals trying to kidnap you?” Carrillo asked before the vote. “Imagine the absolute fear of being pulled over at gunpoint by a group of masked individuals.”
Proponents also pointed to an opinion from constitutional law expert Erwin Chemerinsky of UC Berkeley. In a Sacramento Bee column, he wrote that states cannot directly regulate the federal government but federal employees must still follow state laws “unless doing so would significantly interfere with the performance of their duties. For example, while on the job, federal employees must stop at red lights.”
Chemerinsky added:
“ICE agents have never before worn masks when apprehending people, and that never has posed a problem. Nor have other officers of local, state and federal law enforcement faced dangers from the public because they don’t wear masks in the streets.”
Republican lawmakers and police agencies opposed the bill, warning it would put officers at greater risk.
“Bad guys wear masks because they don’t want to get caught. Good guys wear masks because they don’t want to get killed,” said state Sen. Kelly Seyarto on Thursday.
The use of masks has fueled an already heated debate over immigration enforcement. The Trump administration ramped up high-profile operations, and critics argue masked agents escalate fear and distrust.
Administration officials, however, defended the practice, saying agents face growing harassment both in person and online, and covering their faces protects them and their families.
Democrats and several state attorneys general have pushed back, insisting face coverings heighten fear in communities and must end.
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