California lawmakers pushed through a hotly contested bill that would bar most police officers from covering their faces while on duty.
The move, driven by Democrats who hold sway over both chambers of the legislature, spurred criticism from Republicans and warnings from law enforcement groups that the measure could put officers at risk.
The legislation applies to local and federal agencies alike, and while the bill sailed through the chambers, it did not pass without pushback.
Several Democrats declined to cast a vote, citing resistance from law enforcement organizations that bristled at the idea of grouping local officers and sheriff’s deputies together with federal immigration agents.
The measure now lands on the desk of Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who has been fiercely opposed to ICE activity in his state.
The author of the bill, Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener, argued that the measure is more urgent than ever following a Supreme Court ruling this week allowing immigration agents in Los Angeles to detain individuals based merely on language or type of employment.
“Law enforcement should never be easily confused with the guy in the ski mask robbing a liquor store, yet that’s what’s happening with ICE’s extreme masking,” Wiener said.
He added that “California must hold those who are threatening our communities accountable and restore confidence in our local law enforcement who are proud to show their faces.”
In a separate interview with ABC10, Wiener painted a grim picture of immigration agents and others seizing Californian under cover of anonymity.
Gov. Newsom has a bill on his desk that attempts to prohibit federal officers from wearing face coverings during immigration raids and sets new restrictions for city/county law enforcement.
State Sen. Scott Wiener took questions today, including why CA Highway Patrol is exempt: pic.twitter.com/VINsXrH5lV
— Ashley Zavala (@ZavalaA) September 13, 2025
“ICE agents, bounty hunters, and who knows who else are running around, basically wearing ski masks, grabbing people from their front yards, from bus stops, from their workplaces, and throwing them into unmarked vehicles and taking them, we don’t even know where,” he commented.
Wiener said SB627 would put an end to what he described as “extreme masking,” but also noted exemptions for medical reasons, SWAT operations, and undercover assignments.
Law enforcement groups, however, pushed back against the legislation over the safety risks to officers.
Brian Marvel of the Peace Officers Research Association of California warned on ABC10 that the bill would leave officers vulnerable to lawsuits.
“Officers that are wearing masks in good faith are going to lose their qualified immunity,” Marvel said. “Unfortunately, we’re a very litigious society, and any opportunity to sue a police officer, or police department, or local agency.
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“It happens, and it happens quite frequently, and unfortunately, the officers now are going to be on the hook potentially,” he added.
Assembly member Juan Carrillo, a Democrat, spoke in support of the bill, blasting the Supreme Court’s ruling.
He argued that federal agents were now essentially authorized to stop suspects “based solely on their race, language or job.”
Carrillo asked lawmakers to consider the fear created when armed men in masks pull people over.
“How is anyone supposed to reasonably believe that they are law enforcement officers and not masked individuals trying to kidnap you?” he asked.
“Imagine the absolute fear of being pulled over at gunpoint by a group of masked individuals.”
Republicans countered that stripping officers of the option to wear masks would put their lives in jeopardy.
GOP state Sen. Kelly Seyarto succinctly pointed out, “Bad guys wear masks because they don’t want to get caught. Good guys wear masks because they don’t want to get killed.”
Officials tied to the Trump administration previously defended the use of masks, noting that immigration officers often face intense harassment both online and in person while carrying out their duties.
They said covering their faces helps protect both the agents and their families. Critics, however, argue the secrecy leaves room for abuse.
CBS News’ Camilo Montoya-Galvez pressed Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons in July about those concerns. Lyons admitted that impostors posing as ICE officers remain a major problem.
“I’m not a proponent of the masks; however, if that’s a tool that the men and women of ICE [use] to keep themselves and their families safe, then I’ll allow it,” Lyons said.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons says he’s “not a proponent” of immigration enforcement officers wearing masks during detentions and arrests, but pushed back on criticism that they don't identify themselves in an interview with CBS News immigration reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez.… pic.twitter.com/MbnPudKlEL
— Face The Nation (@FaceTheNation) July 18, 2025
He also rejected accusations that his officers fail to identify themselves, instead calling on lawmakers to crack down on those who threaten ICE agents or expose their personal information.
“I’d also want elected officials to help us hold those people accountable that do dox or threaten an ICE agent or their family,” he remarked at the time.
Under the proposed law, translucent coverings, motorcycle helmets, and medical masks such as N95s would be permitted, along with breathing gear used to protect against toxic substances.
Any officer found guilty of “willful and knowing violation” could face an infraction or even a misdemeanor if they committed crimes such as assault, battery, or false imprisonment while masked.
Supporters say the measure is the first of its kind in the country, though similar proposals have been floated both in other states and in Congress.
Lawmakers also advanced a companion bill requiring plainclothes officers to display a badge number or name, with certain exceptions.
If signed by the governor, SB627 is slated to take effect in January.
