The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is anticipated to vote Tuesday on an on ordinance that may ban law-enforcement officers from concealing or disguising their identities whereas on obligation in unincorporated areas — a response to federal immigration brokers who typically put on masks throughout their operations.
The proposal launched by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis follows related efforts on the state and federal ranges, and if authorised, it will seemingly face a authorized problem from the U.S. authorities questioning whether or not the county has the authority to limit the actions of federal immigration brokers. The federal authorities is already suing the state of California over the same legislation authorised earlier this 12 months.
In an announcement forward of Tuesday’s vote, Hahn mentioned, “If this implies a struggle with the federal authorities, I feel it’s a struggle value having. We can’t give in now and make this okay in America.”
“I by no means thought I’d see the day when a masked, nameless federal police power can be swarming our neighborhoods, concentrating on individuals based mostly on the colour of their pores and skin or the language they converse, and forcing women and men into unmarked vans at gunpoint,” Hahn mentioned. “That is how an authoritarian’s secret police function — not authentic legislation enforcement in a democracy.”
The proposed ordinance would apply to all legislation enforcement companies, together with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel — pending any authorized problem.
Hahn famous that the county’s ordinance differs barely from the state legislation, incorporating exceptions for officers sporting medical masks, respiration apparatuses, bike helmets when using a motorbike, SWAT groups, and energetic undercover operations.
The legislation would prohibit legislation enforcement from sporting masks or disguises whereas interacting with the general public, and require all legislation enforcement to put on seen identification and company affiliation whereas on obligation.
Federal authorities have defended using masks by ICE brokers, contending there was a large enhance in assaults on brokers, and that concealing their identities helps shield them and their households from retaliation.
U.S. Homeland Safety Secretary Kristi Noem has mentioned brokers’ faces and residential addresses have been circulated by gang members and activist teams who oppose the mass deportations being undertaken by the Trump administration.
“We’ll prosecute those that dox ICE brokers to the fullest extent of the legislation,” Noem mentioned in an announcement over the summer time. “These criminals are taking the aspect of vicious cartels and human traffickers. We received’t permit it in America.”
After the state handed its legislation, U.S. Lawyer Basic Pam Bondi mentioned in an announcement, “California’s anti-law enforcement insurance policies discriminate in opposition to the federal authorities and are designed to create danger for our brokers. These legal guidelines can’t stand.”
Critics have assailed the actions of masked brokers, contending these brokers typically journey in unmarked autos and refuse to current badges or identification when particularly requested, elevating the possibility of imposters finishing up kidnappings underneath the guise of being authentic law-enforcement officers.
“No legislation enforcement officer ought to ever be allowed to cover behind a masks or conceal their id whereas working in our neighborhoods — not ICE, not anybody,” Horvath mentioned in an announcement. “If their actions are actually within the public’s curiosity, they need to be prepared to face overtly behind them. As a part of our declared native emergency, we’re shutting down this harmful loophole and sending a transparent message: in Los Angeles County, transparency isn’t non-compulsory, and no company will get to function within the shadows to terrorize our residents.”
The Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 in July to instruct its attorneys to draft the ordinance. Supervisor Kathryn Barger abstained from the vote, questioning the county’s capacity implement such a legislation in opposition to federal brokers.
If the board approves the ordinance Tuesday, it’ll return for a second vote subsequent week, then take impact 30 days later.
