California Dems propose legislation to ban face masks for law enforcement officers -- and not protesters or criminals
Share and Follow

While Republicans advocate for mask bans in an effort to target protesters and criminals, two Democratic legislators in California are proposing a ban on law enforcement officers wearing face coverings in response to the recent federal crackdown on anti-ICE demonstrations in Los Angeles.

State Sens. Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguin, who represent San Francisco and Oakland, respectively, announced on social media that they would be introducing the “No Secret Police Act” to ban most law enforcement members from covering their faces when interacting with the public.

The bill would also require officers to display identifying information on their uniforms, like name tags on their helmets.

“We’re seeing the rise of secret police — masked, no identifying info, even wearing army fatigues — grabbing & disappearing people. It’s antithetical to democracy & harms communities. The No Secret Police Act can help end the fear & chaos this behavior creates in communities,” Wiener wrote on X.

“The recent federal operations in California have created an environment of profound terror. If we want the public to trust law enforcement, we cannot allow them to behave like secret police in an authoritarian state,” Wiener told The San Francisco Standard.

The legislation wouldn’t affect SWAT members and officers who need to wear medical masks during certain disasters, including wildfires that frequently rock the Golden State. Certain types of riot gear, like the ones donned by many cops handling the LA protests, would also still be permitted under the bill so long as the officer’s face is still visible through the face covering.

In Los Angeles, protesters have come prepared to the demonstrations with their own face coverings, ranging from medical masks to protect against tear gas to keffiyehs, a traditional Palestinian scarf commonly worn during anti-Israel protests.

Some of the masked protesters were photographed and filmed setting cars on fire or hurling items at officers. The coverings make it harder for cops to identify and track down the violent suspects.

In New York City, calls for a mask ban on protesters increased after anti-Israel encampments spurred chaos on many college campuses in the city and across the United States. A NYC council member introduced a bill to forbid full-coverage ski masks from being worn in public.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, meanwhile, belabored on publicly advocating a mask ban statewide for months despite encouraging it behind closed doors. She eventually relented while trying to finalize the state budget in April and included a new law that tacks on an additional fine for anyone who wears a mask while committing a crime.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump lashes out at Rosie O’Donnell, threatens to take away US citizenship

Trump Criticizes Rosie O’Donnell, Warns of Revoking Her US Citizenship

(The Hill) — President Donald Trump on Saturday lashed out against comedian…
Trump allies reflect on Butler assassination attempt one year later: 'Spared by God'

Trump Supporters Commemorate One Year Since Butler’s Assassination Attempt: ‘Saved by Divine Intervention’

God’s got his back. A year following President Trump’s narrow escape from…
Epstein 'cover-up' civil war exposes deep fractures and dirty secrets

Civil War Over Epstein’s ‘Cover-Up’ Unveils Major Divisions and Hidden Scandals

When a group of MAGA ‘influencers’ emerged from the Oval Office carrying…
'I'm becoming a ... fan'

‘Discovering My New Fandom’

Conservative commentator Tucker Carlson has received an unusual round of praise from…
4 tiny details you missed in Trump fist pump post-shooting photo

4 Subtle Details You Overlooked in Trump’s Fist Pump Photo After the Shooting

A raised fist, a bloodied face, and the steely gaze of a…
Cleveland Browns rookie RB Quinshon Judkins arrested in Fort Lauderdale

Cleveland Browns Rookie Running Back Quinshon Judkins Detained in Fort Lauderdale

The Browns took Judkins with the 36th overall pick in the 2025…
Child predator among more than 300 arrested during ICE raid on cannabis farm

Over 300 Arrested, Including Child Predator, in ICE Raid on Marijuana Farm

Federal authorities have announced that over 300 undocumented immigrants were detained on…
'Hangman' Adam Page delivers perfect end

Adam Page Concludes with a Flawless Victory

AEW In will go down as one of the longest pro wrestling…