The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced it will not comply with California’s new law banning most law enforcement officers from wearing masks during official duties. The law, known as the “No Secret Police Act,” was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Saturday and is set to take effect in January. It requires officers, including federal immigration agents, to be identifiable by name or badge number, with limited exceptions.
DHS criticized the law, calling it unconstitutional and a political stunt. The agency argues that the mask ban endangers officers, citing a more than 1000% increase in assaults against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. According to a statement posted on X, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, “We will not abide by Newsom’s unconstitutional ban” as reported by DHS.
Governor Newsom defended the measure, stating that the supremacy clause does not exempt federal officers from accountability standards. He argued that federal operations have historically been conducted without masks and questioned the necessity of such measures. Newsom also urged federal officials to prosecute those who dox officers instead of allowing agents to conceal their identities as reported by the Davis Vanguard.
The law is part of a broader legislative package aimed at limiting immigration enforcement in sensitive locations like schools and hospitals. It makes California the first state to ban federal immigration agents from concealing their identities while also restricting operations in these areas.
The dispute sets the stage for a potential legal battle between California and the federal government over whether states can impose transparency requirements on federal agents operating within their borders. Newsom framed the laws as necessary to rebuild community trust, while DHS insisted they compromise officer safety as reported by ABC7.
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