ICE Agents Could Be Banned From Wearing Masks Under New Proposal
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California lawmakers are looking to stop local police officers and federal agents from wearing face masks or coverings while carrying out operations in the state. A move a leading Republican told Newsweek was made just to "score political brownie-points."
The "No Secret Police Act" was introduced by Democrats in the state's Senate on Monday, following criticism that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were trying to hide their identities while carrying out raids in Los Angeles.
"The recent federal operations in California have created an environment of profound terror. If we want the public to trust law enforcement, we cannot allow them to behave like secret police in an authoritarian state," state Senator Scott Wiener said in a press release.
Why It Matters
There has been growing criticism of ICE in recent months for allowing its agents to carry out targeted enforcement operations in plain clothes and face coverings. ICE officials argue that the masks are crucial to protect the identities of agents and their families from death threats. The agency is facing increased scrutiny as President Donald Trump directs his administration to remove millions of migrants without legal status.
Federal agents in Portland, Oregon, on June 28, 2018.
Federal agents in Portland, Oregon, on June 28, 2018.
Alex Milan Tracy/Sipa via AP Images
What To Know
Democratic state Senators Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Jesse Arreguin of Oakland announced Monday that they will introduce SB 627, a bill that would prohibit local, state, and federal law enforcement officers from concealing their faces during interactions with the public.
The lawmakers said the bill would include exemptions for SWAT teams and officers wearing medical masks during natural disasters like wildfires. Transparent riot gear would also be allowed, as it does not obscure the face.
Law enforcement officers who conceal their faces while performing official duties could be charged with a misdemeanor under the new proposal.
"Our first responders are responsible for vital work in protecting our communities, and trust and accountability are a key aspects in keeping our neighborhoods safe," Arreguín said.
Across the aisle, California Republicans criticized the proposal, accusing their colleagues of attempting to "legislatively dox" ICE agents.
"At a time when federal agents are literally under attack in our state, California's leaders should be rallying behind law enforcement, not seeking to score political brownie-points by putting them and their families at risk with legislation to publicly expose their identities," Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones told Newsweek.
The legislation comes amid growing resistance in California to Trump's plans to carry out what he describes as the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history.
What People Are Saying?
California Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones, a Republican, told Newsweek: "This bill is nothing more than an attempt to legislatively dox our law enforcement officers. In the name of liberal virtue signaling and pandering to his progressive base, Senator Wiener has introduced a bill that endangers the very men and women who've committed their lives to keeping us safe.
"Thankfully, this bill has zero chance of being enforced as the California Legislature has no authority to impose requirements on federal officers, but the mere suggestion of such a dangerous policy is another disappointing sign of the left's distain for law and order in California."
State Senator Scott Wiener said in a press release: "Law enforcement officers do critically important work to keep our communities safe, and they should be proud to show their faces and provide identifying information when doing so. It boosts trust in law enforcement, which makes it easier for law enforcement to do their jobs and makes California safer for all of us."
State Senator Jesse Arreguín said in a statement. "This bill will ensure that law enforcement are easily identifiable, maintaining that trust and accountability."
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told CBS: "It's for the safety of those individuals or the work that they're doing as far as protecting their identity so they can continue to do investigative work."
What Happens Next?
The bill is likely to pass in a Democratic-controlled legislature in the state of California.
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