California Lawmakers Pass Bills Banning ICE Masks, Requiring Identification

California lawmakers have passed a bill, SB 627, that bans most law enforcement officers, including federal agents such as ICE, from covering their faces while interacting with the public, aiming to counteract secretive immigration raids under President Donald Trump's administration. The legislation, which also includes SB 805 requiring federal officers to clearly identify themselves, seeks to increase transparency and public safety amid widespread concerns over masked federal agents conducting intimidating and unidentifiable enforcement actions. Governor Gavin Newsom has about a month to decide on signing the bill and has expressed doubts about the state's authority to regulate federal officers, though supporters argue under legal analysis that federal agents must comply with state laws unless doing so interferes with their duties. The bill has sparked intense debate, with Democrats framing it as a defense of democratic norms and public trust, while Republicans and some law enforcement groups criticize it as political theater that could complicate local police work and question its constitutionality. Senator Scott Wiener, the bill’s author, emphasized the dangers of extreme masking tactics, such as ski masks, used by federal agents, and the bill provides exemptions for undercover and special operations. Supporters assert these measures are essential to protect immigrant communities from fear and unlawful practices, while opponents worry about the impact on local law enforcement and qualified immunity.