California Legislature Passes Bill Banning ICE Officers From Wearing Masks

The bill makes the wearing of a mask while performing official duties a criminal misdemeanor, and imposes a minimum liability of $10,000 for certain acts.

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent watches as Customs and Border Protection officers confront protesters in Camarillo, Calif., on July 10, 2025. Blake Fagan/AFP/Getty Images

WASHINGTON—Both houses of the California Legislature have passed a bill that bans federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks while performing their duties, with criminal penalties for noncompliance.

The bill, SB-627, bans any law enforcement officer or agent from wearing a “facial covering that conceals or obscures their facial identity in the performance of their duties,” with a few exceptions—such as motorcycle helmets, facial coverings for “SWAT” officers, and N-95 medical masks to protect against COVID-19.