California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 627, known as the “No Secret Police Act,” into law on Saturday, making California the first state in the US to prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks or other facial coverings that obscure their identities during operations, except in narrowly defined circumstances.
The law, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D–San Francisco), is a direct response to what state leaders have described as “secret police tactics” used during federal immigration raids under the Trump administration. Beginning January 1, 2026, peace officers employed by cities, counties, or local agencies, as well as federal agents and out-of-state officers operating in California, will generally be barred from concealing their faces while performing official duties.
While the new statute makes the wearing of ski masks, balaclavas, tactical masks, and similar face coverings a crime, it recognizes that there are legitimate circumstances in which masks or helmets may be necessary. Exceptions are provided for SWAT operations, approved undercover assignments, protective medical masks, respirators, motorcycle helmets, and other safety equipment required by occupational or environmental hazards.
By July 1, 2026, all law enforcement agencies operating in California must adopt and publicly post written policies regulating the use of facial coverings. These policies must affirm the values of transparency and accountability, limit mask use to specific and clearly defined situations, and prohibit masking based on generalized officer safety concerns.
Violations of the law may be punished as infractions or misdemeanors. In addition, officers who commit civil rights violations such as assault, false arrest, or false imprisonment while masked in knowing violation of the statute face civil damages of at least $10,000.
In his letter to the Legislature, Governor Newsom emphasized that the law responds to disturbing practices witnessed in recent years. “America should never be a country where masked ‘secret police’ grab people off the streets and throw them into unmarked vans,” the Governor wrote. He added that while he supports the principle of transparency, follow-up legislation will be necessary to clarify exemptions and to ensure that officers acting in good faith are not subject to unnecessary liability.
The law has not been without controversy. This week, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), led by Secretary Kristi Noem, publicly called on Governor Newsom to veto the No Secret Police Act, warning that the measure could undermine federal law enforcement operations in the state.
Supporters hailed the law as a landmark for accountability. Senator Wiener said the bill was “a bold step” against authoritarian tactics, adding, “No one wants masked officers roaming their communities and kidnapping people with impunity.” Civil rights groups, including MALDEF, the Prosecutors Alliance Action, and the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice, praised the governor’s action. Cristine Soto DeBerry, executive director of Prosecutors Alliance Action, called the law “a victory for transparency, accountability, and community trust.”
California officials argue that masked immigration raids have eroded trust, traumatized families, and in some cases endangered public safety. They point to recent reports of individuals in other states impersonating federal agents while masked, incidents that underscore the risks of allowing law enforcement officers to conceal their identities.
In a press conference following the signing, Governor Newsom said, “If you’re going to go out and you’re going to do enforcement, provide an ID. Tell us which agency you represent. Provide us with basic information that all local law enforcement is required to provide.”
