by Los Angeles, CA — On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors took a major step toward joining the state of California in banning masks for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. The vote, 4-0, approved an ordinance prohibiting law enforcement officers from wearing masks or disguises, with one abstention by Supervisor Kathryn Barger. The ordinance must receive a second approval at the Dec. 9 meeting to take effect.
The vote occurred with no public discussion during the meeting and was passed alongside unrelated agenda items. However, a rally outside the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration earlier in the day drew multiple immigrant rights groups and supporters, including Supervisors Janice Hahn and Lindsey Horvath, who co-authored the ordinance.
Supporters Cite Transparency and Public Safety
Supporters of the ordinance carried signs with slogans like “No Secret Police in LA,” “Identify Yourself,” and “Badges On! Masks Off!”. Supervisor Janice Hahn likened masked ICE officers to secret police, claiming the agents conceal their identities and fail to wear badges.
The ordinance amends Title 13 of the Los Angeles County Code, adding Chapter 13.01, which requires all law enforcement officers in unincorporated areas to display visible identification. While masks and disguises are prohibited, exceptions are made for:
- Medical masks
- Breathing apparatuses
- Motorcycle helmets
- SWAT and undercover operations
Unlike the state law, the county ordinance also applies to state law enforcement, such as the California Highway Patrol.
Federal Government Signals Legal Challenge
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has pushed back, with Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin asserting that the ordinance violates the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which prohibits local governments from controlling federal law enforcement. McLaughlin noted that ICE officers face a 1,150% increase in assaults and an 8,000% increase in death threats, saying that mask requirements protect officers from being targeted by gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13.
McLaughlin warned that the ordinance could make federal officers and their families more vulnerable to attacks, emphasizing the importance of personal safety measures for federal personnel.
State Ban and Previous Legal Battles
The county’s ordinance mirrors state legislation, including Senate Bill 627 (No Secret Police Act) and SB 805 (No Vigilantes Act), signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on Sept. 20. The Trump administration previously sued California over these laws, arguing federal officers are not subject to state mask mandates. Both state laws are set to take effect in January 2026.
State Senator Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat and critic of the Trump administration, authored the state mask ban. Since its passage, Wiener announced his candidacy for the U.S. House seat being vacated by Nancy Pelosi, who will retire on Jan. 3, 2027.
Supporters Say Court Fight Is Worthwhile
Supervisor Janice Hahn told reporters that defending constitutional rights of county residents is paramount. She said if the federal government challenges the ordinance, she considers it a fight worth having to ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
Hahn emphasized that the ordinance aims to prevent secret policing and maintain public trust, arguing that federal and state officers should be identifiable and accountable while operating in Los Angeles County.
Should local governments be able to impose mask bans on federal law enforcement, or does this infringe on constitutional authority? Share your thoughts in the comments — we want to hear your perspective!
