In a historic move, California is set to become the first US state to prohibit law enforcement officers, encompassing federal immigration agents, from hiding their faces while executing their official duties. This legislation was recently signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The new regulation is the state’s direct rebuttal to a string of immigration raids that took place in Los Angeles where federal officers used masks to hide their identity during wholesale arrests.
These operations instigated multi-day public demonstrations across the city, leading to the involvement of the National Guard and Marines as ordered by President Donald Trump. Newsom, during a press conference in Los Angeles, highlighted California’s distinct character – its population constituting 27 percent of foreign-born residents. The state, he asserted, is pushing back against such authoritarian measures being imposed by the federal administration.
However, there are concerns about the state’s ability to enforce this mask prohibition on the federal agents executing these raids. A representative for Homeland Security opposed the law, describing it as ‘despicable’ and arguing that it would put the lives of officals at risk.
In a recent turn of events, the Department of Homeland Security delivered letters to the attorneys general of California, Illinois and New York. The dispatch re-emphasized previous directives that these states, all Democrat-led, should comply with detainers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in relation to ‘criminal illegal aliens’ within their limits.
This development was followed by a strong statement from the Department of Homeland Security. The department warned that if states neglect to adhere to these directives, itwould seek all feasible methods to halt their ‘reckless and irresponsible obstruction’.
The newly enacted law forbids the use of neck gaiters, ski masks, and other types of facial concealment by local and federal officers, including immigration enforcement agents, during the performance of their duties. It, however, spares undercover agents, medical masks such as N95 respirators, or tactical gear, and does not apply to the state police.
Trump’s team consistently supports the current practice, citing the rationale of safety for immigration agents and their families due to increasingly aggressive public and online harassment. Notably, these agents are already mandated to identify themselves and wear vests carrying ICE or Homeland Security emblems during operations.
A wave of similar anti-mask proposals for law enforcement officials have been introduced in numerous other states, including Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Advocates claim such legislation has become increasingly necessary, especially in light of the Supreme Court ruling earlier this month, which permitted the revival of far-reaching immigration operations in Los Angeles.
The supporters of the face-covering prohibition believe it will foster greater public assurance in law enforcement. They also aim to counteract the instances of criminals posing as officers. The new law clearly aims to improve trust and prevent malign impersonation.
Experts in Constitutional Law located at the University of California, Berkeley, have defended the legislation, explaining that federal employees are expected to comply with general state laws, except when it would extensively obstruct their duties. As an illustration, federal employees are still required to abide by traffic laws while on duty.
The increase in publicized immigration enforcement has already stirred controversy amongst those who condemn the policies of Trump’s administration and those who support them. The sight of agents with covered faces during enforcement operations has escalated the conflict.
The prohibition of facial concealment is among several measures authorised by California’s Democratic-led legislature as a response to the mass deportation policies of the Trump administration. Governor Newsom has also approved legislation that stops immigration agents from entering schools and healthcare facilities without a valid warrant or court order.
Newsom’s legislation also mandates schools to inform parents and teachers when immigration officers are present on campus. All these measures, enacted by state lawmakers, aim to protect progressive principles within the boundaries of California.
Earlier this year, the state legal body authorized the allocation of $50 million to the Department of Justice and other legal groups within the state. This allocation has resulted in more than 40 litigations filed against the administration.
The post California Leads the Charge: No More Masks for Law Enforcement appeared first on Real News Now.
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