A new California law that bans most law enforcement officers from wearing face masks that conceal their identities will take effect on January 1, 2026. The law, known as the No Secret Police Act (Senate Bill 627), aims to increase transparency and accountability in policing by ensuring officers’ identities are visible during public interactions. The law applies to local, state, and federal officers in California, though there are exceptions, such as undercover operations or safety equipment requirements. The law has sparked debate, particularly among federal agencies, with some challenging its applicability to federal officers.
California law banning masked law enforcement takes effect Jan. 1, 2026
A new California law banning masks for law enforcement during immigration activities, set for 2026, challenges federal-state dynamics amid a DOJ lawsuit and safety concerns.
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Author: Jeannie Nguyen
Published: 2:53 PM PST December 12, 2025
Updated: 2:53 PM PST December 12, 2025
CALIFORNIA, USA — A new California law banning local and federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks that hide their identities during immigration enforcement activities is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Senate Bill 627 was introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) after a series of immigration raids across California in 2025. Wiener said those operations involved agents, including ICE personnel, wearing full ski masks.
“Local and federal law enforcement will be prohibited from wearing these extreme masks that cover their identity,” Wiener said. He added that it was “terrifying to see ICE agents and other federal agents running around with these ski masks… You can’t tell who they are… and they’re just grabbing people and putting them in the unmarked cars.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law earlier this year. It bars officers from covering their faces during enforcement activities, though it includes exemptions for California Highway Patrol officers, undercover work and medical situations where masks are necessary. Agencies must update their policies to comply, and officers who violate the law can be cited for a misdemeanor, Wiener said.
The Peace Officers Research Association of California, or PORAC, has been a vocal opponent. The organization sent the governor a nine-page letter in September urging him not to sign the bill. PORAC president Brian Marvel is warning officers about the potential fallout.
Marvel said officers who wear masks during enforcement activities risk being “personally liable and open to potential litigation,” urging caution until departments issue new policies. He also questioned whether the legislation could be applied to federal operations, saying “states cannot govern the actions of federal agents, and this is exactly what California is trying to do.”
In November, the U.S. Department of Justice sued the state, calling the law an unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal officers. DOJ also said federal agents have faced threats. When asked if the agency plans to seek a restraining order to delay the mask ban, a spokesperson did not comment.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta did not respond to multiple requests for an update on the lawsuit.
California law banning masked law enforcement takes effect Jan. 1, 2026
A new California law banning masks for law enforcement during immigration activities, set for 2026, challenges federal-state dynamics amid a DOJ lawsuit.
Credit: AP
FILE – Law enforcement officers stand guard during a protest June 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File)
Author: Jeannie Nguyen
Published: 1:56 PM PST December 18, 2025
Updated: 1:56 PM PST December 18, 2025
CALIFORNIA, USA — A new California law banning local and federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks that hide their identities during immigration enforcement activities is set to take effect January 1, 2026.
Senate Bill 627 was introduced by state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) after a series of immigration raids across California in 2025. Wiener said those operations involved agents, including ICE personnel, wearing full ski masks.
“Local and federal law enforcement will be prohibited from wearing these extreme masks that cover their identity,” Wiener said. He added that it was “terrifying to see ICE agents and other federal agents running around with these ski masks… You can’t tell who they are… and they’re just grabbing people and putting them in the unmarked cars.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law earlier this year. It bars officers from covering their faces during enforcement activities, though it includes exemptions for California Highway Patrol officers, undercover work and medical situations where masks are necessary. Agencies must update their policies to comply, and officers who violate the law can be cited for a misdemeanor, Wiener said.
The Peace Officers Research Association of California, or PORAC, has been a vocal opponent. The organization sent the governor a nine-page letter in September urging him not to sign the bill. PORAC president Brian Marvel is warning officers about the potential fallout.
Marvel said officers who wear masks during enforcement activities risk being “personally liable and open to potential litigation,” urging caution until departments issue new policies. He also questioned whether the legislation could be applied to federal operations, saying “states cannot govern the actions of federal agents, and this is exactly what California is trying to do.”
In November, the U.S. Department of Justice sued the state, calling the law an unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal officers. DOJ also said federal agents have faced threats. When asked if the agency plans to seek a restraining order to delay the mask ban, a spokesperson did not comment.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta did not respond to multiple requests for an update on the lawsuit.
