Overview
- California agreed in federal court not to enforce SB 627’s anti-masking provisions against federal officers until a judge rules on a preliminary injunction, with a hearing set for Jan. 12.
- The DOJ and DHS sued, arguing the law is preempted by the Supremacy Clause and warning that unmasking agents heightens risks from doxxing, harassment and threats.
- State Sen. Scott Wiener said on Jan. 1 that the ban was in effect, but DOJ officials and court filings note the state has stipulated to a temporary hold on enforcement.
- Rep. Eric Swalwell, a gubernatorial candidate, pledged to revoke the driver’s licenses of masked ICE agents operating in California if elected.
- SB 627 criminalizes on-duty face coverings for law enforcement with limited exceptions and ties masking to loss of qualified immunity, including a minimum $10,000 remedy for certain offenses committed while masked.