In a pioneering legislative move, California has enacted a law that prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks or other facial coverings that obscure their identities during operations. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 627, the “No Secret Police Act,” marking a significant shift in law enforcement regulation. This groundbreaking statute, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, takes effect on January 1, 2026, and applies to peace officers across cities, counties, local agencies, as well as federal agents and out-of-state officers operating in California.
The new law emerges as a response to practices described as “secret police tactics” used during federal immigration raids under the previous administration. While the statute criminalizes the use of ski masks, balaclavas, and similar coverings, it acknowledges certain scenarios where the use of masks is justified. Exceptions include SWAT operations, sanctioned undercover assignments, and the use of protective medical masks and helmet gear required for safety reasons. More details on this legislative change can be found here.
By mid-2026, all law enforcement units in California are mandated to establish and make public their policies regarding facial coverings. These regulations must strongly affirm the values of transparency and accountability, delineating mask use to specific situations and expressly prohibiting masking based on generalized safety concerns. Violations could result in infractions or misdemeanors, and officers who breach civil rights while masked face a minimum civil penalty of $10,000.
Despite the positive reception from civil rights groups, the measure faces resistance from federal entities. The US Department of Homeland Security, led by Secretary Kristi Noem, expressed concern that this law might undermine federal operations in California. Governor Newsom acknowledged the controversy, mentioning that clarification on exemptions would be necessary to prevent wrongful liability for officers acting in good faith, as noted in his communication with the Legislature.
The significance of this law resonates with many. Supporters, including civil rights organizations like MALDEF and the Prosecutors Alliance Action, celebrate it as a major stride toward greater transparency and community trust. Cristine Soto DeBerry of Prosecutors Alliance Action highlighted the law’s importance in restoring community faith in law enforcement, underscoring its role in preventing masked operations that could easily lead to misconduct under the guise of anonymity.
The backdrop for this legislation is a broader concern about trust erosion due to masked immigration raids, which have previously traumatized families and, in some instances, endangered public safety. Instances of individuals masquerading as federal agents while masked further illustrate the risks involved when law enforcement officers work undercover without clear identification. Governor Newsom, at a press conference, reiterated the necessity for accountability, advising officers to provide identification and agency representation during enforcement activities, ensuring public awareness and safety.