Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey | California Black Media
Sen. Akilah Weber Pierson (D-San Diego), chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC) last week praised California’s new law limiting when law enforcement officers may wear face coverings, calling it a critical step toward accountability and public trust in policing.
The measure, SB 627 — also known as the No Secret Police Act — was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year and took effect on Jan. 1.
It restricts law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while performing public duties, except under limited operational circumstances. The law applies to local, state, and federal agencies operating in California and requires departments to adopt and publicly post mask-use policies by July 1, 2026.
Weber Pierson, a co-author of the legislation, said the law affirms the public’s right to transparency.
“The public has a right to know who is enforcing the law in our communities,” Weber Pierson posted on Facebook on Jan. 14.
Framing the issue as more than administrative oversight, Weber Pierson stated that visibility and accountability are essential to community well-being.
“Transparency in policing is a public health issue,” she added, noting that communities cannot heal from historical trauma when officers wield authority anonymously.
Despite support from civil rights advocates, the law is facing a federal court challenge. The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to pause its application to federal agents, arguing that the measure interferes with federal law enforcement operations, particularly immigration enforcement.
Federal attorneys told the court on Jan. 14 that the law improperly regulates federal officers and exposes them to increased safety risks.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said officers are increasingly targeted through facial recognition and AI tools, claiming an “8,000% increase in threats” against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. He also cited instances of agents being tracked to their homes and harassed.
During the hearing, the judge raised concerns about potential unequal treatment if exemptions apply differently to state and federal officers. A decision on the request to pause enforcement is expected soon.
Supporters of SB 627 argue the law advances civil rights by ensuring officers are identifiable during public interactions, while opponents contend it endangers officer safety and undermines federal enforcement authority — setting the stage for a legal battle with broader implications for policing and oversight in California.
