L.A. County Bans ICE Agents from Wearing Masks
- Published December 7, 2023, 7:05 AM PST | Updated December 7, 2023, 7:05 AM PST
- Los Angeles County supervisors have approved a motion to ban federal agents from wearing masks while conducting law enforcement operations within the county, responding to resident concerns about...
- The motion stems from growing anxiety among residents regarding the tactics employed by federal immigration enforcement agents in Los Angeles County.
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Los Angeles County Moves to Ban Masked Federal Immigration Agents
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Published December 7, 2023, 7:05 AM PST | Updated December 7, 2023, 7:05 AM PST
Los Angeles County supervisors have approved a motion to ban federal agents from wearing masks while conducting law enforcement operations within the county, responding to resident concerns about unidentified individuals conducting immigration enforcement. The ban, if enacted, will require all agents to clearly display their agency affiliation.
Background: Concerns Over Unmarked Immigration Enforcement
The motion stems from growing anxiety among residents regarding the tactics employed by federal immigration enforcement agents in Los Angeles County. Since this summer,reports have surfaced of armed federal agents,often concealing their identities with neck gaiters or ski masks,apprehending individuals from public spaces like street corners,car washes,and parking lots of businesses such as Home Depot (Los Angeles Times).
A key concern is the refusal of these agents to identify themselves or their affiliation with federal immigration enforcement agencies. This lack of clarity has fueled distrust and fear within the community.
the Proposed Ban and Legal Challenges
On december 6, 2023, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 in favor of the ban, with Supervisor Kathryn Barger abstaining. The motion requires a second approval vote, scheduled for next week, to become law. If approved, the ban would take effect in January 2026.
The ban mandates that any agent exercising the power of a badge within the county must be visibly identifiable, accountable, and clearly display their agency affiliation.Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, a co-author of the motion, stated, If you carry the power of a badge here, you must be visible, accountable and identifiable to the people you serve.
(NBC News)
Though, the ban is expected to face legal challenges. Dawyn Harrison, the county’s top lawyer, anticipates the federal government will argue the county law violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes federal law as supreme over conflicting state or local laws. Legal experts concur that federal immigration agents are not legally required to comply with the county’s mask ban.
despite the likely legal battle, Supervisor Janice Hahn, who spearheaded the ban, expressed a willingness to fight the federal government in court, stating, If this leads to a fight with the federal government in the courts, I think it’s a fight worth having.
(Los angeles Times)
Federal Justification for Disguise
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has defended the practice of agents disguising their identities. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin has stated that concealing identities is necessary to protect agents from having their names publicized or being doxed
– a practice where personal information is revealed online with malicious intent.
Supervisor Barger’s Concerns
Supervisor Kathryn Barger voiced skepticism about the motion, questioning its legality and the likelihood of a costly and unsuccessful court battle. In July, she stated, My concern is we’re bringing in a motion that is problably going to end up in court, that I question is even legal for us to do.