California Legislature Passes Bill Banning ICE Agents From Wearing Masks

The California Legislature has passed Senate Bill 627 — dubbed the “No Secret Police Act” — banning law enforcement officers from covering their faces during official duties.

The bill prohibits officers, including federal agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from wearing ski masks, balaclavas, neck gaiters, or similar face coverings while on duty.

Key Exceptions

Face coverings are still allowed in certain circumstances:

• Undercover assignments
• Tactical operations (e.g., SWAT gear)
• Medical needs (such as N95 masks)
• Specialized equipment for hazardous environments (including smoke or wildfire response)

The bill also requires law enforcement personnel to visibly identify themselves. This includes wearing uniforms or vests with clear name tags or agency markings.

Penalties and Enforcement

Agencies that violate the law face civil penalties starting at $10,000. Criminal penalties could follow if departments fail to adopt compliance policies.

SB 627 now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has roughly a month to sign or veto the bill.

Newsom has previously criticized the use of masks by federal agents, particularly during immigration enforcement raids. However, he’s also voiced concerns about the state’s legal authority to impose such rules on federal personnel.

Can California Regulate Federal Agents?

Legal scholars say yes — to a point.

UC Berkeley Law Dean Erwin Chemerinsky has argued that California can apply general public safety laws to everyone in the state, including federal officers, as long as those laws don’t interfere with federal duties. ““Federal employees must follow state rules unless doing so would significantly interfere with the performance of their duties,” he wrote.

Supporters vs. Opponents

Supporters say the bill is about accountability and transparency. Backers include Democratic lawmakers and immigrant rights groups, who argue that the use of masked agents during enforcement actions undermines public trust — especially in immigrant communities.

Opponents warn the bill puts officers at risk.

Law enforcement groups and Republican legislators argue that banning face coverings could expose agents to retaliation, compromise officer safety, and hamper sensitive operations — particularly for ICE and other immigration officers.

Broader Effort Underway

SB 627 is part of a broader movement to dismantle Trump-era policing tactics.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors recently voted to draft a local ordinance with similar mask restrictions. At the federal level, lawmakers have introduced the VISIBLE Act, which would require immigration officers to identify themselves and limit the use of face coverings.

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