Overview

• The law bars local, state and federal officers from using opaque facial coverings that prevent recognition during duties, with narrow exceptions such as authorized undercover work, SWAT operations and safety gear.
• Agencies operating in California must publish strict policies by July 1, 2026, deliberate violations carry sanctions, and victims of abuses by masked officers can claim at least $10,000.
• DHS condemned the statute in an official statement, calling it an attack on those confronting transnational criminal groups and stating the department will not comply.
• ICE argued the rule endangers agents and their families, citing rising assaults and threats from organizations such as MS-13 and insisting agents still need to shield their faces despite identifiable vests and vehicles.
• Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized Newsom on Fox News and vowed to defend ICE agents in his state, drawing a sharp social-media retort from Newsom.