LOS ANGELES
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 Tuesday to prohibit law enforcement officers, including federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, from wearing masks or concealing their identities while conducting operations in unincorporated areas of the county.
The proposed ordinance, which requires a second vote next week before taking effect, would also mandate that all law enforcement officers wear visible identification showing their agency name and either their last name or badge number when interacting with the public.
"This is how authoritarian secret police behaves — not legitimate law enforcement in a democracy," said Supervisor Janice Hahn, who proposed the ordinance with co-author Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. "ICE agents are violating our residents' rights every day they are on our streets. These agents hide their faces. They refuse to wear badges."
The measure comes amid heightened tensions over federal immigration enforcement and follows a similar state law recently passed in California. Los Angeles County declared a state of emergency over federal officers' actions in recent months, according to Horvath.
"For months, federal officers have taken actions that erode the trust of our communities," Horvath said. "Today, we are taking a necessary step toward restoring transparency. Los Angeles County is ending anonymous policing in our neighborhoods."
The ordinance amends Title 13 of the Los Angeles County Code and applies to all law enforcement officers operating in unincorporated areas, including local, state and federal agents. Supervisor Kathryn Barger abstained from the vote.
Hahn acknowledged the ordinance will likely face a legal challenge from the Trump Administration, which has already sued California over its similar state law.
"This is about defending the constitutional rights of the people we represent," Hahn said. "We cannot stand down now and allow this type of policing to be acceptable in America. So, if this means a fight in the courts with the federal government, I think it is a fight worth having."
The county ordinance differs from the state law in key ways. Unlike the state measure, the Los Angeles County version would apply to state law enforcement agencies such as the California Highway Patrol.
The ordinance also includes several pre-approved exceptions crafted in consultation with local law enforcement. Officers may wear facial coverings for medical reasons, including N95 or surgical masks to prevent disease transmission. Other exemptions include breathing apparatuses for hazardous conditions, motorcycle helmets while riding, SWAT team operations, and active undercover assignments.
According to the ordinance's legislative findings, masked officers can increase public fear and make it difficult for people to distinguish legitimate law enforcement from imposters. The Los Angeles Times reported instances of people in Fresno and Orange counties impersonating officers, with some committing thefts.
"Facial coverings limit the visibility of facial expressions, which are an essential component of nonverbal communication," the ordinance states. "In high-stress or emotionally charged interactions, a person's inability to read an officer's expression may lead to a misinterpretation of tone or intent, increasing the risk of conflict."
Willful and knowing violations of the mask prohibition would be punishable as an infraction or misdemeanor. Violations of the identification requirement would be punishable as a misdemeanor. However, penalties would not apply to agencies that maintain and publicly post written policies in compliance with California Government Code sections 7288 and 7289.
Before the vote, Hahn and Horvath rallied with supporters outside the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration. They were joined by immigrant rights organizations including CHIRLA, Centro CHA, the TransLatina Coalition and the Filipino Migrant Center, as well as grassroots groups that have documented ICE activity since June, including the Harbor Area Peace Patrols and the Long Beach Rapid Response Network.
The second and final vote on the ordinance is scheduled for Dec. 9. If approved, the measure would take effect 30 days later.
The ordinance includes a severability clause stating that if any provision is found unconstitutional, the remaining portions would remain valid.
Edited by SMDP Staff