LACo Aims to Stop Police from Hiding Their Identities

Addressing Concerns Over Identity Transparency in Law Enforcement

Recent immigration raids conducted by federal agents, often wearing masks or other face coverings, have sparked significant concern among local officials. In response, the county Board of Supervisors has taken a proactive step by requesting its legal team to draft an ordinance that would prohibit law-enforcement officers from concealing or disguising their identities while on duty.

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

During the board meeting, Hahn addressed questions about whether the county has the authority to regulate the activities of federal agents, including those from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She acknowledged that the issue may ultimately be resolved in court but emphasized the importance of requiring law enforcement officials to publicly identify themselves as a "common-sense reasonable expectation."

Hahn highlighted that residents are frequently advised to ask for identification when someone claims to be from a public agency. She pointed out that officers from other agencies typically identify themselves openly. "ICE should be held to that same standard," she said.

In their motion, Hahn and Solis described incidents where individuals in plainclothes or tactical gear, with their faces covered by masks or balaclavas, have raided communities and detained residents. They noted that these agents often refuse to reveal their identities or even display badges when asked, leading to fears of impersonators.

"When law enforcement officers conceal their identities, they create confusion, incite fear, and undermine public trust," the motion stated.

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 mentioned that agents' faces and home addresses have been shared by gang members and activist groups opposing mass deportations under the Trump administration.

"We will prosecute those who dox ICE agents to the fullest extent of the law," Noem said. "These criminals are taking the side of vicious cartels and human traffickers. We won't allow it in America."

Critics have raised concerns about the actions of masked agents, noting that they often travel in unmarked vehicles and refuse to present badges or identification when asked. This has increased 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 emphasized 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.

Additionally, the ordinance would 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 given the uncertainty of enforcing it 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.