Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills aimed at limiting the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement in California. The measures include a first-in-the-nation ban on law enforcement officers wearing masks during official duties, as well as laws restricting access to schools and hospitals.
The new legislation echoes California’s earlier “resistance” efforts, such as sanctuary laws passed during Trump’s first term, designed to limit local cooperation with federal immigration agents.
“Immigrants have rights and we have the right to stand up and push back,” Newsom said at the signing event in Los Angeles.
The Trump administration criticized the laws even before they were enacted. The Department of Homeland Security called the mask bill “despicable,” arguing it would endanger officers by preventing them from protecting their identities from harassment or potential threats.
While some laws raise constitutional questions about the state’s authority over federal operations, lawmakers maintain that the measures are legally defensible. Political consultant Mike Madrid said the legislation is largely symbolic but sends a clear message about California standing up for its values.
Key Bills Signed by Newsom
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Assembly Bill 49 – Prohibits immigration enforcement officers from entering schools without a warrant.
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Senate Bill 627 – Bans federal and local officers from wearing face masks during official duties, with exceptions for undercover work, face shields, and medical masks.
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Senate Bill 805 – Requires law enforcement to identify themselves while performing duties, with certain exceptions.
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Senate Bill 81 – Prohibits immigration enforcement from entering restricted areas of health facilities without a judicial warrant.
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Senate Bill 98 – Requires schools and universities to notify communities when immigration agents are on campus and restricts agent access without a court order.
The legislative push gained momentum following aggressive immigration sweeps in Los Angeles, which sparked protests and a National Guard deployment.
“All of this legislative resistance is to protect Angelenos from their own federal government. That is profound,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
Mask Ban Sparks Controversy
The mask ban, officially called the “No Secret Police Act,” was the most contentious measure. Sponsored by Sen. Scott Wiener, it was designed to prevent ICE and other officers from hiding their identities while conducting operations. Wiener argued that masked agents destroy community trust and create chaos.
However, law enforcement groups opposed the bill, noting it primarily affects local police and that federal officers are unlikely to comply. Critics warned that the law could be unenforceable and unconstitutional, potentially exposing officers to personal lawsuits for misconduct.
“California cops are not going to enforce this law. You cannot regulate lawful federal conduct, whether the Legislature likes it or not,” said Ed Obayashi, policy adviser and former California police officer.
Despite opposition, Democrats framed the legislation as a defense for vulnerable communities, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court recently sided with ICE on roving immigration sweeps in Los Angeles.
“We need a full front defense for the violence that is coming from this regime,” said Hector Pereyra, policy manager for the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice.
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