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2h ago

Newsom Signs California Mask Ban for ICE and Curbs Enforcement at Schools and Hospitals

The move sets up an expected court fight over whether California can restrict federal agents' tactics.

Supporters gather around a stage during an immigration rally on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Masked U.S. Border Patrol agents produce a show of force outside the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles while California Gov. Gavin Newsom holds a redistricting news conference in August. A law signed by Newsom on Saturday bans federal officers from wearing masks to conceal their identities starting Jan. 1.
Mayor Karen Bass speaks during an immigration rally on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)
Demonstrators wave flags in protest outside Los Angeles City Hall in June in response to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids nationwide.

Overview

  • Gov. Gavin Newsom signed five bills that include a broad prohibition on officers concealing their faces, new ID display rules, and limits on immigration enforcement at schools and health care facilities.
  • SB 627 applies to local, out-of-state and federal officers but not state police, allows exceptions for undercover work and protective gear, and takes effect Jan. 1.
  • SB 805 requires officers working in California to display a name or badge number, and provisions restricting access to campuses and hospitals take effect immediately.
  • The Department of Homeland Security denounced the mask law, urged a veto, warned it would use “all appropriate measures,” and sent letters pressing states to honor ICE detainers.
  • The legislation follows masked ICE raids in Los Angeles and a Supreme Court decision allowing sweeping operations, developments that ignited protests and intensified state pushback.