A new California bill is taking aim at a familiar image: masked law enforcement officers. But this time, it’s not criminals in disguise—it’s the people wearing the badge.
In a move that’s drawing strong reactions from both sides, California lawmakers have passed a first-of-its-kind bill that would ban most police and immigration officers from covering their faces during official duties. The legislation is a direct response to recent immigration raids in Los Angeles, where federal agents were seen wearing ski masks and other facial coverings while making arrests.
The bill cleared the state’s Democrat-controlled legislature on Thursday and now sits on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. But even if he signs it, there’s a looming question: Can the state actually enforce it on federal agents like those from ICE?
That’s where things get complicated.
The bill’s language is sweeping. It bans ski masks, balaclavas, neck gaiters, and other face coverings worn by officers while on duty. Exceptions are made for medical reasons—such as wearing an N95—or when agents are undercover or in tactical gear. But for most street-level operations, the law would require faces to be visible.
MASK OFF: California Democrats just voted to BAN ICE agents and law enforcement from wearing ski masks or face coverings while on duty.
So criminals get masks.
Cops don’t.
That’s Gavin Newsom’s America. pic.twitter.com/N782hXGcqL— Charlie’s Vengeance
MASK OFF: California Democrats just voted to BAN ICE agents and law enforcement from wearing ski masks or face coverings while on duty.
(@CharlieKNews11) Backers of the bill say it’s about accountability and public trust. Assemblymember Juan Carrillo, who serves as vice chair of the Latino caucus, said masked agents create fear in immigrant communities. He asked during Thursday’s session, “How is anyone supposed to reasonably believe that they are law enforcement officers and not masked individuals trying to kidnap you?”
Supporters point to last week’s Supreme Court decision allowing the federal government to resume immigration raids in Los Angeles. They say those operations, carried out by agents with faces hidden, risk crossing the line between legal enforcement and psychological warfare.
Legal scholars have jumped in too. Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law, wrote in a Sacramento Bee opinion piece that while states can’t directly control the federal government, they can set rules that federal employees are expected to follow—unless those rules prevent them from doing their job.
“ICE agents have never before worn masks when apprehending people, and that never has posed a problem,” Chemerinsky wrote. “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.”
But opponents say the bill paints with too broad a brush—and risks officer safety.
“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 Republican state Sen. Kelly Seyarto during the floor debate.
He wasn’t alone. Law enforcement unions and immigration officials have raised red flags, saying that unmasking officers could open them up to retaliation, doxxing, and threats to their families—especially in a time when tensions around immigration enforcement are already running high.
Assistant AG Harmeet Dhillon SHUTS DOWN the new California draconian law “banning” face masks from covering the faces of federal officers.
WRONG, The masks will stay on, the Democrats will not be able to dox, target, and harass ICE, DHS, and other Federal Agents. pic.twitter.com/BECLKZWcKy
— Cash Loren (@CashLorenShow) September 15, 2025
The Trump administration previously defended agents wearing masks, saying it’s a necessary precaution amid increasing threats and online harassment. Federal officials argue that public exposure could make agents and their families targets.
But Democrats see it differently. They say masked raids instill fear, particularly among undocumented families, and give the appearance of lawless force—especially when arrests happen in neighborhoods, workplaces, or near schools.
Some lawmakers in other states—like New York, Illinois, and Pennsylvania—are now watching California closely. Several have introduced similar bills, but none have made it this far. California would be the first state to codify a ban on face coverings for law enforcement.
Still, there’s no guarantee the law would apply to federal officers, who often argue they operate under national jurisdiction and not local control. Gov. Newsom, for his part, has criticized masked raids in the past but has also admitted the state’s authority over federal agents is limited. His office declined to comment on whether he plans to sign the bill.
For now, one thing is clear: the battle over masks isn’t just about health anymore. It’s about power, identity, and who gets to remain unseen when enforcing the law.
And in California, that fight is far from over.
