California Bans Police and ICE Agents From Wearing Masks to Expose Federal Raids

California has enacted SB 627, known by supporters as the “No Secret Police Act.”

“September 22, 2025 / 2:04 PM PDT/ CBS LA Federal agents, including those conducting immigration enforcement operations, will not comply withCalifornia's mask ban for on-duty law enforcement officerswhen it goes into effect in January, according to Acting U”

CBS News

The law bans most local and federal law enforcement officers—including ICE and CBP—from concealing their faces while on duty starting January 1, 2026.

CBS News

Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law following high-profile masked immigration raids in Los Angeles.

The law requires officers to identify themselves by name and badge number.

It also limits federal immigration operations at schools and in non-public hospital areas without court orders.

Exemptions to the law include undercover work and necessary medical or tactical gear.

Agencies must make identification visible unless the officer is undercover.

Families must be notified when immigration agents arrive on school campuses, according to multiple accounts.

Supporters present the legislation as a transparency measure to prevent “secret police” tactics following viral footage of masked immigration raids in Los Angeles.

Governor Newsom described the scenes as “dystopian sci‑fi,” while sponsors argue that public trust requires officers to reveal their faces and identification.

FOX 11 Los Angeles

Several media outlets highlight that California is the first U.S. state to enact such a ban, which was passed amid protests over mass arrests in Los Angeles and even a National Guard deployment during the raids.

The legislative package combines the mask prohibition with new protections for schools and healthcare facilities, restricting warrantless access and safeguarding student information.

Federal authorities condemned the ban and questioned its enforceability against federal agents.

The Department of Homeland Security labeled the law dangerous and unconstitutional, warning it could endanger officers amid rising assaults and doxxing.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli argued that California has no jurisdiction over federal operations and instructed agents to disregard the statute.

DHS also signaled broader pressure on detainers, warning California and other states to comply or face consequences.

State officials dispute the premise of escalating assaults.

Analysts anticipate court fights over federal preemption versus state police powers.

Azat TV notes constitutional experts say federal employees generally must comply with state law unless it interferes with federal duties.

Arise News

Evrim Ağacı underscores the uncertain legal standing and that the statute applies to local agencies and not to state law enforcement.

Migrant Insider adds administrative and enforcement details, including public posting of facial-covering policies by July 1, 2026, and penalties ranging from infractions to misdemeanors with enhanced civil liability.

SFist highlights law enforcement groups’ objection that local police are being dragged into a political fight aimed at federal agents.

The mask ban is part of a broader set of measures designed to protect schools and healthcare settings from immigration enforcement and to require officers to show identification.

“California has ignited a national debate over law enforcement transparency and state sovereignty with its groundbreaking new law banning most police officers, including federal immigration agents, from covering their faces while on duty”

Evrim Ağacı

BBC outlines restrictions on entering schools and non-public hospital areas without warrants, protections for classrooms and student data, and the requirement to notify families when officers appear on campus.

Evrim Ağacı

Sakshi Post lists five laws aimed at protecting immigrants, including restrictions related to daycare and privacy rules in hospitals.

Arise and The Week add that officers must display their name and badge, and that schools and communities must be informed of immigration enforcement presence.

Azat TV and Migrant Insider also describe requirements for notifying schools about enforcement activities.