Los Angeles County Supervisors Ban Masks for Federal Agents

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, dominated by Democrats, recently adopted a resolution prohibiting federal employees from wearing masks. This decision prompted an immediate, strong retort from the Department of Justice.

On Tuesday, all four Democratic supervisors voted in favor of the measure, while the only Republican on the board chose to abstain. For the resolution to take effect, a second vote is scheduled for December 9. If approved, it would require law enforcement officers to visibly display their identification and agency names.

Bill Ezeiri, the First Assistant Attorney for California’s Central District, was quick to address this resolution. He stated that the county lacks authority over federal agents and will not comply with any laws that limit federal law enforcement activities.

“Our agents are facing significant challenges in Los Angeles, largely due to reckless statements from media and local politicians,” he remarked on social media. “We cannot permit instigators to use facial recognition technology to target our dedicated officers.”

In a related statement, Supervisor Janice Hahn criticized ICE, comparing it to “authoritarian secret police.” She expressed her views on how ICE agents operate, suggesting that they often disregard the rights of local residents.

“This kind of operation resembles an authoritarian regime, not what we expect from a legitimate law enforcement agency,” Hahn said. She emphasized that it’s unacceptable for police to conceal their identities in Los Angeles County.

If the second vote succeeds, the mask ban would be enforced 30 days afterward. Hahn indicated that the board anticipates a legal challenge from the Trump administration regarding this ordinance.