California has become the first state in the U.S. to outlaw the use of most face coverings by law enforcement, including federal immigration agents, while on official duty. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill after weeks of controversy sparked by masked federal raids in Los Angeles. The measure has ignited a fierce clash between state leaders and the Trump administration over federal overreach and officer safety.
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Masked Raids Spark Outrage
The legislation was introduced after a wave of immigration raids in Los Angeles, where federal agents concealed their faces while making mass arrests. The images triggered protests across the city and ultimately prompted former President Donald Trump to deploy National Guard troops and Marines. Critics called the raids a chilling reminder of “secret police” tactics.
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Governor Newsom’s Defense
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill in Los Angeles, surrounded by immigrant community leaders and lawmakers. He argued the measure is essential to push back on federal overreach and restore transparency. “I thought Jon Stewart said it best: ‘This is not about the pronoun police, this is about the secret police,’” Newsom stated before signing the bill…