California has made history by becoming the first U.S. state to ban most law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from wearing masks while conducting official duties. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation into law on Saturday, a decisive response to a string of high-profile immigration raids in Los Angeles that drew national attention.

Story Highlights:

• California bans masks for most law enforcement, including federal immigration agents.

• Exceptions: undercover agents, medical masks, and tactical gear; state police unaffected.

• Law enacted in response to Los Angeles immigration raids and public protests.

• DHS urges states to honor ICE detainers or face federal action.

• Other measures prevent immigration agents from entering schools or healthcare facilities without warrants.

• Legal experts note federal employees must comply with state laws unless it significantly interferes with duties.

• Similar mask ban proposals introduced in New York, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

The raids, carried out by federal agents wearing masks, led to mass arrests and sparked multi-day protests across the city. In response, the Trump administration deployed National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles to support federal enforcement.

The new California law prohibits neck gaiters, ski masks, and other face coverings for local and federal officers during official operations. Exceptions are narrowly defined, covering undercover agents, medical masks such as N95 respirators, and tactical gear. State police are not included under this legislation.

Governor Newsom, speaking at the signing ceremony in Los Angeles, emphasized the intent behind the law. “This bill is about restoring public trust in law enforcement and pushing back against federal overreach,” Newsom said. “Californians deserve transparency when officers are enforcing the law in our communities.”

Federal officials have expressed strong opposition. A U.S. Homeland Security official called the measure “despicable” and warned that it could endanger officers. “Our agents face increasing harassment as they work to arrest violent criminal illegal aliens,” said Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Hiding their identities is sometimes necessary to protect them and their families.”

The Department of Homeland Security reinforced the tension, sending letters to attorneys general in California, Illinois, and New York, urging compliance with ICE detainers for “criminal illegal aliens.” DHS stated that failure to comply could lead to the pursuit of “all appropriate measures to end their inadvisable and irresponsible obstruction.”

Legal experts have weighed in on the new law. UC Berkeley constitutional law professor Erwin Chemerinsky wrote in the Sacramento Bee that federal employees are generally expected to follow state rules unless compliance “would significantly interfere with the performance of their duties.” He added, “For example, while on the job, federal employees must still stop at red lights.”

The legislation is part of a broader effort by California’s Democratic-controlled Legislature to counteract federal immigration policies under the Trump administration. Alongside the mask ban, Governor Newsom signed measures restricting immigration agents from entering schools or healthcare facilities without valid warrants or judicial orders. Schools are now required to notify parents and staff when immigration agents are present on campus.

Supporters argue that the mask ban is particularly timely following the Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing the federal administration to resume immigration operations in Los Angeles. Masking by federal agents, critics say, undermines public confidence and allows potential impersonation of law enforcement officers.

The debate has echoed beyond California. Similar mask ban proposals are under consideration in states including New York, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Lawmakers in these states cite public safety, transparency, and trust in law enforcement as primary motivators.

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