Los Angeles leaders are raising concerns over masked federal agents conducting enforcement operations across the city. Since early June, around 4,000 California National Guard members, 700 U.S. Marines, and an undisclosed number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers have descended on Los Angeles. Many of these federal officers wear masks during raids, sparking fears of impersonation and unlawful detentions.
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass expressed concern at a recent briefing, questioning the identity of these masked individuals who arrive in unmarked vehicles and refuse to identify themselves. “We’re not sure who these armed men are,” she said, highlighting the lack of transparency and accountability. Supervisor Kathryn Barger shared a story of a staff member’s godson being pulled over by men in an unmarked car, raising further doubts about their legitimacy.
In response, California lawmakers have introduced the “No Secret Police Act,” which aims to ban law enforcement officers from wearing masks during operations. Senator Scott Wiener, co-author of the bill, criticized the current tactics as resembling “secret police” and emphasized the need for public trust in law enforcement.
The bill, co-sponsored by Jesse Arreguin, seeks to ensure officers are easily identifiable, with exceptions for SWAT teams and medical reasons. The Department of Homeland Security, overseeing ICE and CBP, called the proposal “despicable,” arguing it endangers officers by exposing them to retaliation.
The proposal comes amid reports of violent confrontations between masked agents and civilians. Videos have shown aggressive encounters, including one in Pico Rivera where a young U.S. citizen was involved in a struggle with federal agents. Critics argue that the mask-wearing practice violates federal regulations, which require officers to identify themselves during arrests.
The Los Angeles Times reports that the bill is being offered as an amendment to Senate Bill 627, a housing measure.
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