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.
