California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new executive order that prohibits federal immigration officials from wearing masks. The policy, which affects agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), was announced during a press conference on [date]. Newsom framed the move as a necessary step to ensure transparency and accountability in immigration enforcement, stating that masks had been used to obscure the identities of officers during encounters with immigrants.
The order specifically targets ICE agents, who are now barred from wearing masks during routine interactions. Critics argue that the policy could compromise the safety of both officers and the communities they engage with, particularly in situations where medical concerns might arise. However, supporters of the ban claim it reflects a broader push to increase transparency and reduce potential abuses within the immigration system.
Newsom’s decision has drawn mixed reactions. Advocacy groups have praised the move as a step toward greater accountability, while some lawmakers and immigrant rights organizations have raised concerns about its implications for public health and officer safety. The policy has also reignited debates about the broader role of federal immigration enforcement and the extent to which public health measures should influence such operations.