Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): A new California law prohibiting federal agents from using masks during official operations aims to enhance accountability amid concerns over immigration enforcement practices.
The Details
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 627 into law on September 20, 2025, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. The legislation prohibits local, state, and federal law enforcement officers from covering their faces during official duties, with specific exceptions for undercover agents and medical masks. Notably, if agents opt to wear masks, they will forfeit their qualified immunity, exposing them to civil suits for assault, wrongful arrest, and related offenses, with a minimum penalty of $10,000.
This move follows public outcry and protests in response to immigration raids in California, particularly incidents involving masked agents in areas such as Los Angeles and San Diego. The law’s proponents argue it aims to curb abuses and enhance transparency by ensuring that law enforcement officials can be identified during operations.
Impact
Compliance Impact
Attorneys, CPAs, and business executives should prepare for potential changes in the enforcement landscape. Key actions include:
- Reviewing client policies related to law enforcement interactions, particularly in immigration contexts.
- Monitoring the legal landscape for challenges to the law, especially given the Trump administration’s lawsuit claiming the law violates federal supremacy and endangers agents.
- Staying informed about the publication of agency policies on visible identification, which are required by July 2026.
As California navigates this contentious legal terrain, stakeholders must remain vigilant about ongoing developments that could impact compliance and operational protocols.