California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill banning most law enforcement officers, including those from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from wearing face masks while on duty. This ban, effective January 1, 2026, aims to protect residents from what Newsom calls "secret police" and follows federal agents wearing masks during Los Angeles immigration raids.

• The ban is part of a series of bills addressing concerns about federal agents and immigration enforcement in California.
• US Attorney Bill Essayli, a Trump appointee, stated California "has no jurisdiction over the federal government," and the law will have "no effect on our operations."
• The legislation also requires officers to identify themselves by name and badge number, and restricts federal agents from entering school and non-public hospital areas without proper warrants.