California bans federal agents from using masks to hide their faces, law takes effect 1/1/26

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill Saturday prohibiting federal agents from wearing identity-concealing masks during enforcement operations, a controversial practice that the expected contender for the Democratic nomination in 2028 likened to “a dystopian sci-fi movie.”

The legislation, which appears to be the first of its kind signed into law in the country, seeks to end a common practice among U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents that critics say erodes transparency, fosters fear and raises concerns that criminals could try to pose as federal officers. The Department of Homeland Security has maintained that using masks to shield ICE agents’ faces protects them against harassment and doxing.

“To ICE — unmask. What are you afraid of?” Newsom said during a news conference in Los Angeles on Saturday. “You’re going to go out. You’re going to do enforcement. Provide an ID. Tell us which agency you represent. Provide us basic information that all local law enforcement is required to provide.” [MORE]