Two California lawmakers introduced a bill Monday that would ban both state and federal law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while on duty, according to the LA Times. Co-author of the bill, state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) said, “We’re really at risk of having, effectively, secret police in this country,” a misguided and possibly dangerous take parroted by Democrats across the country. State Senator Jesse Arreguín (D-Berkeley) similarly argued that the bill would provide transparency in law enforcement and discourage impersonators. There have not been widespread reports of civilians impersonating ICE agents.
Agents have been wearing masks to mitigate harm falling on them and their families as they try to enforce immigration law in recent weeks. Democrats have, by and large, opposed enforcing immigration law, and have riled up their voters to protest against the deportation raids. Unfortunately, these protests, which started in Los Angeles, devolved into violent riots. Rioters were seen assaulting both federal and local law enforcement officers, attacking and damaging their vehicles, and shouting insults and threats. The lack of respect for officers is widespread in these protests, and no one knows when and if they might devolve into violence. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons expressed concerns before the "No Kings" protest over the weekend about the increased risk of violence towards his agents.
🚨NEW: Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons tells @VinceCoglianese his "BIGGEST FEAR" for Saturday's planned nationwide left-wing protests against Trump🚨@DailyCaller pic.twitter.com/yPHf5azMhn
— Jason Cohen 🇺🇸 (@JasonJournoDC) June 13, 2025
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also responded to the proposed bill in a X post. They cited concerns of a 400 percent increase in assaults on ICE agents, and continued attempts to dox them.
California State Sen. Scott Wiener’s proposed legislation banning our federal law enforcement from wearing masks and his rhetoric comparing ICE to “secret police” is despicable.
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) June 16, 2025
While ICE officers are being assaulted by rioters, a sanctuary politician is trying to outlaw… https://t.co/2nkeIjmlgg
This bill comes after widespread protests and riots across the country last week, specifically in LA, opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids to deport illegal immigrants.
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