Courts to Decide on LACo's Plan to Stop Police from Hiding Identity

Addressing Concerns Over Law Enforcement Transparency

In response to recent immigration enforcement actions conducted by federal agents, often wearing masks or other face coverings, the county Board of Supervisors has taken a significant step toward increasing transparency. On Tuesday, the board requested its legal team to draft an ordinance that would prohibit law enforcement officers from concealing or disguising their identities while on duty.

This proposal, introduced by Supervisors Janice Hahn and Hilda Solis, aligns with similar measures being considered in the state Legislature and Congress. The motion passed unanimously, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger choosing to abstain from voting.

During the board meeting, Hahn addressed concerns about whether the county has the authority to regulate the activities of federal agents, including those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While the proposed ordinance would apply to all law enforcement agencies operating in unincorporated areas, she acknowledged that the issue may ultimately be resolved in court. However, she emphasized that requiring law enforcement officials to publicly identify themselves is a reasonable expectation.

Hahn pointed out that residents are often advised to ask for identification when someone claims to be from a public agency. She noted that officers from other agencies typically do so, and she argued that ICE should be held to the same standard.

In their motion, Hahn and Solis highlighted several incidents where individuals in plainclothes or tactical gear, with their faces covered, have raided communities and detained residents. They also mentioned that these agents have refused to reveal their identities or show badges, leading to fears of impersonators.

The motion stated that when law enforcement officers conceal their identities, it creates confusion, incites fear, and undermines public trust.

Federal authorities have defended the use of masks by ICE agents, citing a significant increase in assaults against them. They argue that concealing identities helps protect agents and their families from retaliation. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has claimed that agents’ faces and home addresses have been shared by gang members and activist groups opposing mass deportations under the Trump administration.

Noem emphasized that the government will prosecute those who expose ICE agents to the fullest extent of the law, stating that such actions support "vicious cartels and human traffickers."

Critics have raised concerns about the actions of masked agents, noting that they often operate in unmarked vehicles and refuse to present badges or identification when asked. This lack of transparency increases the risk of imposters committing kidnappings under the guise of being legitimate law enforcement officers.

Hahn and Supervisor Holly Mitchell both acknowledged the argument made by federal officials regarding fears of reprisals. However, they maintained that no other law enforcement operation is entitled to such a lack of transparency.

"I’m not sure why ICE feels that they are different," Mitchell said.

The motion directs county attorneys to provide proposed language for an ordinance within 60 days. The ordinance would prohibit all law enforcement officers working in unincorporated areas from wearing "any mask or personal disguise" while interacting with the public during their duties.

Exceptions would include undercover operations and the use of gas masks, fire/smoke protection masks, or medical-grade masks. The ordinance would also require all law enforcement officers, including federal agents, to wear visible identification and clearly display their agency affiliation.

Barger chose to abstain from the vote, questioning whether the ordinance would truly provide comfort to residents. She expressed concern about the county's ability to enforce the law against federal law enforcement.

"I just want to make sure we do something that in fact is going to protect this vulnerable population," she said.