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2w ago

California Lawmakers Propose Ban on Officer Face Coverings

It would require officers to display identifying information after critics described recent federal immigration raids as creating an atmosphere of terror.

Federal agents guard outside of a federal building and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center on June 13, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. Demonstrations continue after a series of immigration raids began last Friday, June 6th. Tensions in the city remain high after the Trump administration called in the National Guard and the Marines against the wishes of city leaders. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
The face covering donned by this officer outside a federal building and Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center in downtown Los Angeles on June 13 would be prohibited under new proposed legislation. 
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Overview

  • State Sens. Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguín introduced SB627 on June 16 to prohibit law enforcement from wearing masks or other face coverings when engaging with the public.
  • Under the proposed law, officers must display name tags or badge numbers and wear uniforms or equipment that clearly identify their agency.
  • The bill includes exemptions for SWAT operations, medical masks during wildfires and approved clear riot gear.
  • Failure to comply would be a misdemeanor offense and the measure is likely to face resistance from law enforcement unions.
  • Republicans contend that face coverings help protect officers from being targeted or doxxed, setting up a debate over public accountability and personnel safety.