Amidst rising concerns over masked federal officers operating in California, state Senators Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguín have introduced the “No Secret Police Act.” This proposed legislation, announced on June 16th, aims to prohibit law enforcement officers from concealing their identities with masks while in public.

The bill’s impetus stems from a recent surge in immigration enforcement actions in major California cities, including Los Angeles. These operations, according to the senators, have led to an increase in the visibility of officers whose identities are obscured, raising serious questions about accountability and transparency.

Senator Wiener highlighted the critical need for the act during a press conference. He stated, “We’re seeing more and more law enforcement officers—particularly at the federal level—in our community covering their faces entirely, not identifying themselves at all, at times even wearing army fatigues. You can’t tell if these are law enforcement officers or a vigilante militia.” The inability to distinguish between legitimate law enforcement and potentially unauthorized groups poses a significant public safety concern, driving the urgency behind this proposed legislation.

The “No Secret Police Act” seeks to address this concern by mandating that officers operating in public must be clearly identifiable. This measure aims to increase transparency, build trust between law enforcement and the community, and ensure accountability for actions taken.