California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs state legislation prohibiting masked law enforcement operations, specifically targeting ICE agents conducting immigration raids.
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, repetitively asking « what are you afraid of? »
« Unmarked cars, people in masks, people quite literally disappearing.
