SAN FRANSISCO (Diya TV) – In response to ongoing protests over federal immigration enforcement, two California lawmakers have introduced legislation that would prohibit law enforcement officers from covering their faces while interacting with the public.
State Senators from the Bay Area announced on Monday that they are filing SB 627, known as the No Secret Police Act, which would ban local, state, and federal law enforcement officers in California from wearing face coverings during public interactions. The bill also mandates visible identification on uniforms.
“Secret police behavior tanks trust & must end,” one of the lawmakers wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The proposal comes amid widespread demonstrations in Los Angeles over recent immigration raids carried out by federal agencies. Protesters have expressed alarm over the use of unmarked vehicles and masked officers during detentions and crowd control. Over the weekend, National Guard troops were deployed to assist federal agencies, drawing criticism from California officials who said the deployment occurred without the governor’s consent.
Speaking at a press conference outside San Francisco City Hall, the senators said the legislation aims to ensure transparency, prevent impersonation of law enforcement, and rebuild public trust.
“The recent federal operations in California have created an environment of profound terror,” one of the lawmakers said. “If we want the public to trust law enforcement, we cannot allow them to behave like secret police in an authoritarian state.”
The bill includes limited exemptions. Officers on SWAT teams or those responding to natural disasters like wildfires may wear face coverings, as may any officer required to wear medical masks. Transparent riot gear will still be permitted.
Los Angeles has seen nightly protests since June 6, mostly centered around opposition to the federal government’s immigration enforcement practices. Sunday marked the first day with no arrests since demonstrations began.
Supporters of the bill say it’s a necessary check on growing federal power, particularly in states like California where immigration policy remains a flashpoint. The legislation is expected to be debated in the coming weeks.
