LA County advances ordinance to ban masked law enforcement, targeting ICE practices

LA County moves to ban masked ICE agents

Los Angeles County leaders are moving forward with banning ICE agents from being fully masked.

LOS ANGELES - A proposed ordinance that would ban law enforcement officers from concealing their identities while on duty in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County was advanced by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

What we know:

The Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 in favor of the ordinance, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger abstaining. Barger previously questioned the county's ability to enforce such a law against federal agents.

The ordinance, introduced by Supervisors Hahn and Hilda Solis, would require all law enforcement personnel, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, to wear visible identification and agency affiliation while on duty and interacting with the public.

LA supervisors to vote on controversial mask ban

The proposal is a direct response to masked federal immigration agents and is expected to face a lawsuit from the U.S. government.

The law includes several exceptions for when an officer may conceal their identity:

• Wearing medical masks or breathing apparatuses.
• Wearing motorcycle helmets while riding a motorcycle.
• Members of SWAT teams.
• Officers engaged in active undercover operations.

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The other side:

The debate over the use of masks by federal agents centers on transparency versus agent safety.

Federal authorities, including U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, have defended the use of masks by ICE agents. 

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They argue that concealing identities helps protect agents and their families from retaliation due to a reported increase in assaults and the circulation of agents' faces and home addresses by gang members and activist groups.

Critics have assailed the actions of masked agents, contending those agents generally travel in unmarked vehicles and refuse to present badges or identification when specifically asked, raising the chance of impostors carrying out kidnappings under the guise of being legitimate law-enforcement officers.

What they're saying:

Supervisors and federal officials have voiced strong opinions regarding the proposed ban.

"This is about defending the constitutional rights of the people we represent," Hahn said in a statement after the vote. "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."

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Supervisor Lindsey Horvath emphasized transparency.

"No law enforcement officer should ever be allowed to hide behind a mask or conceal their identity while operating in our neighborhoods — not ICE, not anyone." She stated, "If their actions are truly in the public's interest, they should be willing to stand openly behind them. As part of our declared local emergency, we are shutting down this dangerous loophole and sending a clear message: in Los Angeles County, transparency is not optional, and no agency gets to operate in the shadows to terrorize our residents."

Federal officials have argued the county lacks the authority to restrict their operations. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi previously commented on a similar state law.

"California's anti-law enforcement policies discriminate against the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand."

Noem issued a warning against those who reveal agent identities: "We will prosecute those who dox ICE agents to the fullest extent of the law. These criminals are taking the side of vicious cartels and human traffickers. We won't allow it in America."

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What's next:

If the ordinance is approved, it is expected to face a legal challenge from the U.S. government, which is already suing the state of California over a similar law passed earlier this year.

If the board gives the ordinance final approval next Tuesday, it will take effect 30 days later.