California Bans ICE from Wearing Masks

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom on Saturday signed a bill banning law enforcement from wearing face coverings while conducting official business in California.

The bill, which was presented to Newsom on Wednesday, makes it a misdemeanor crime for local, state or federal law enforcement to wear masks or personal disguises during their duties, unless an officer is undercover or performing a tactical operation that requires protective gear.

The bill would also impose a civil penalty against officers for "tortious conduct," including false imprisonment or false arrest of an individual while wearing a facial covering.

Announcing the bill signing on Saturday, Newsom taunted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, repeatedly asking, "What are you afraid of?"

"Unmarked cars, people in masks, people quite literally disappearing. No due process, no rights — no rights in a democracy where we have rights, immigrants have rights," Newsom said. "We have the right to stand up and push back, and that's what we're doing here today. This is a disgrace. This is an outrage what we have allowed to happen in this country. … To ICE: unmask. What are you afraid of? What are you afraid of? What are you afraid of?"

The ban comes after a series of immigration raids in Los Angeles, where federal agents were spotted wearing masks to protect their identities from being leaked.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin this week noted federal agents are already required to identify themselves and wear clothing that designates they are with ICE or Homeland Security markers during operations.

"Another day, another sanctuary politician pulling a stunt in attempt to get their 15 minutes of fame while endangering DHS personnel and detainees," McLaughlin wrote. "The men and women of ICE put their lives on the line every day to arrest violent criminal illegal aliens to protect and defend the lives of American citizens."

The agency is experiencing a 1,000% surge in assaults against ICE officers, leading to concerns about their safety and their families' safety, according to McLaughlin.

Several states have introduced similar legislation, including Tennessee, Michigan, Illinois, New York, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania, according to a report from The Associated Press.

It is unclear how the new California bill will be enforced.