{"id":25149,"date":"2025-12-01T16:04:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T00:04:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/los-angeles\/la-county-supervisors-to-vote-on-mask-ban-for-law-enforcement-officers-daily-news\/"},"modified":"2025-12-01T16:04:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T00:04:16","slug":"la-county-supervisors-to-vote-on-mask-ban-for-law-enforcement-officers-daily-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/los-angeles\/la-county-supervisors-to-vote-on-mask-ban-for-law-enforcement-officers-daily-news\/","title":{"rendered":"LA County Supervisors to vote on mask ban for law-enforcement officers \u2013 Daily News"},"content":{"rendered":"

LA County Supervisors to Vote on Mask Ban for Law-Enforcement Officers<\/h1>\n

Introduction to the Proposal<\/h2>\n

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is expected to vote Tuesday on an ordinance that would ban law-enforcement officers from concealing or disguising their identities while on duty in unincorporated areas \u2014 a response to federal immigration agents who generally wear masks during their operations.
\n
\nThe proposal introduced by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis follows similar efforts at the state and federal levels, and if approved, it would likely face a legal challenge from the U.S. government questioning whether the county has the authority to restrict the activities of federal immigration agents. The federal government is already suing the state of California over a similar law approved earlier this year.<\/p>\n

Rationale Behind the Proposal<\/h2>\n

In a statement ahead of Tuesday\u2019s vote, Hahn said, \u201cIf this means a fight with the federal government, I think it is a fight worth having. We cannot give in now and make this okay in America.\u201d
\n\u201cI never thought I would see the day when a masked, anonymous federal police force would be swarming our neighborhoods, targeting people based on the color of their skin or the language they speak, and forcing men and women into unmarked vans at gunpoint,\u201d Hahn said. \u201cThis is how an authoritarian\u2019s secret police operate \u2014 not legitimate law enforcement in a democracy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scope of the Proposed Ordinance<\/h2>\n

The proposed ordinance would apply to all law enforcement agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel \u2014 pending any legal challenge.
\nHahn noted that the county\u2019s ordinance differs slightly from the state law, incorporating exceptions for officers wearing medical masks, breathing apparatuses, motorcycle helmets when riding a motorcycle, SWAT teams, and active undercover operations.
\nThe law would prohibit law enforcement from wearing masks or disguises while interacting with the public, and require all law enforcement to wear visible identification and agency affiliation while on duty.<\/p>\n

Federal Authorities’ Stance<\/h2>\n

Federal authorities have defended the use of masks by ICE agents, contending there has been a massive increase in assaults on agents, and that concealing their identities helps protect them and their families from retaliation.
\nU.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has said agents\u2019 faces and home addresses have been circulated by gang members and activist groups who oppose the mass deportations being undertaken by the Trump administration.
\n\u201cWe will prosecute those who dox ICE agents to the fullest extent of the law,\u201d Noem said in a statement over the summer. \u201cThese criminals are taking the side of vicious cartels and human traffickers. We won\u2019t allow it in America.\u201d<\/p>\n

Criticisms and Concerns<\/h2>\n

After the state passed its law, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement, \u201cCalifornia\u2019s anti-law enforcement policies discriminate against the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand.\u201d
\nCritics have assailed the actions of masked agents, contending those agents generally travel in unmarked vehicles and refuse to present badges or identification when specifically asked, raising the chance of imposters carrying out kidnappings under the guise of being legitimate law-enforcement officers.
\n\u201cNo law enforcement officer should ever be allowed to hide behind a mask or conceal their identity while operating in our neighborhoods \u2014 not ICE, not anyone,\u201d Horvath said in a statement. \u201cIf their actions are truly in the public\u2019s interest, they should be willing to stand openly behind them. As part of our declared local emergency, we are shutting down this dangerous loophole and sending a clear message: in Los Angeles County, transparency is not optional, and no agency gets to operate in the shadows to terrorize our residents.\u201d<\/p>\n

Next Steps<\/h2>\n

The Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 in July to instruct its attorneys to draft the ordinance. Supervisor Kathryn Barger abstained from the vote, questioning the county\u2019s ability enforce such a law against federal agents.
\nIf the board approves the ordinance Tuesday, it will return for a second vote next week, then take effect 30 days later.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

The proposed ordinance to ban law-enforcement officers from concealing their identities in Los Angeles County represents a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. While it is expected to face legal challenges, proponents argue that it is essential for maintaining trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n