California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 20 signed a invoice that might prohibit most legislation enforcement officers—together with federal brokers—from carrying masks throughout official operations within the state.
The primary-of-its-kind legislation, which might go into impact in January 2026, was instantly criticized by Trump administration officers, who’ve instructed federal brokers to disregard it. That units the stage for a showdown in court docket.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) brokers—who’re most concerned in finishing up President Donald Trump’s deportation operations—have taken to carrying masks whereas finishing up their jobs.
Throughout the Sept. 20 bill-signing occasion, Newsom stated that the state was “pushing back against the authoritarian tendencies in action this administration.”
“The impact of these policies all across this city, our state, and nation are terrifying,” Newsom stated. “It’s like a dystopian sci-fi movie. Unmarked cars, people in masks, people quite literally disappearing. No due process, no rights in a democracy where we have rights.”
The administration has defended using masking by federal brokers, who officers say are going through elevated threats and violence associated to their work.
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