Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors is making headlines once again for an ordinance that would ban law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from wearing masks while on duty in unincorporated areas. The supervisors passed the proposal 4-0 on Tuesday, with one member, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, abstaining from the vote. This ordinance is expected to take effect in January 2026, pending a final vote next week.
This move illustrates a broader trend in California’s political climate, where local governments continually challenge federal authority. The supervisors want all law enforcement personnel, including ICE and Homeland Security Investigations agents, to operate with visible identities, claiming it fosters accountability. “If you carry the power of a badge here, you must be visible, accountable and identifiable to the people you serve,” asserted Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, one of the motion’s co-authors.
However, federal immigration agents are pushing back against this decision, which they argue endangers their safety. The nature of their work often puts them in precarious situations as they confront individuals involved in serious crimes like human trafficking and drug-related offenses. ICE agents have increasingly needed to protect their identities due to real threats of harassment, doxxing, and violence from anti-enforcement activists. This safety concern cannot be overstated, especially as these agents carry out operations in public places like Home Depot parking lots and street corners, where they face vocal opposition.
Legal experts are weighing in, too. According to Dawyn Harrison, the county’s top lawyer, federal agents may not be obligated to comply with a local mask ban. The Constitution dictates that federal law prevails over conflicting local statutes, suggesting that a legal clash is on the horizon. Supervisor Janice Hahn, who championed the ban, indicated readiness for such a confrontation, calling it “a fight worth having.”
After the vote, Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli voiced strong criticism of the supervisors. He highlighted the jurisdictional overreach, stating, “Let me be very clear: the county has no jurisdiction over federal agents, and we will not comply with any state or local laws restricting federal law enforcement.” Essayli’s comments underscore the tensions between federal and local authorities. He emphasized the danger that such ordinances pose to officers tasked with enforcing immigration laws at a time when they are already facing intense scrutiny and hostility in Los Angeles.
The board’s ordinance is a significant development in the ongoing battle over immigration enforcement and the safety of federal agents. As the proposed law moves closer to actual implementation, the potential for legal disputes looms large. The implications of this ordinance extend beyond local politics, challenging the broader framework of authority and safety in federal law enforcement. The stakes are high, and as this situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how federal authorities respond and the legal precedents that may arise from this local challenge.
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