California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 20 signed a invoice that will prohibit most regulation enforcement officers—together with federal brokers—from carrying masks throughout official operations within the state.
The primary-of-its-kind regulation, which might go into impact in January 2026, was instantly criticized by Trump administration officers, who’ve instructed federal brokers to disregard it. That units the stage for a showdown in courtroom.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) brokers—who’re most concerned in finishing up President Donald Trump’s deportation operations—have taken to carrying masks whereas finishing up their jobs.
Through the Sept. 20 bill-signing event, Newsom mentioned that the state was “pushing again in opposition to the authoritarian tendencies in motion this administration.”
“The influence of those insurance policies all throughout this metropolis, our state, and nation are terrifying,” Newsom mentioned. “It’s like a dystopian sci-fi film. Unmarked vehicles, individuals in masks, individuals fairly actually disappearing. No due course of, no rights in a democracy the place we have now rights.”
The administration has defended using masking by federal brokers, who officers say are dealing with elevated threats and violence associated to their work.
For those who discovered this text attention-grabbing, please contemplate supporting conventional journalism
Our first version was printed 25 years in the past from a basement in Atlanta. Right this moment, The Epoch Instances brings fact-based, award-winning journalism to hundreds of thousands of Individuals.
Our journalists have been threatened, arrested, and assaulted, however our dedication to impartial journalism has by no means wavered. This yr marks our twenty fifth yr of impartial reporting, free from company and political affect.
That’s why you’re invited to a limited-time introductory provide — simply $1 per week — so you possibly can be a part of hundreds of thousands already celebrating impartial information.
