Oregon lawmakers will hear arguments today on a bill that aims to fundamentally change how law enforcement officers operate in the state.
FILE – Federal agents can be seen atop the ICE facility in South Portland. A proposed amendment to the Oregon Constitution would prohibit federal agents from wearing masks to conceal their identities, with a few exceptions.
Oregon lawmakers heard arguments on Wednesday that aim to fundamentally change how law enforcement officers operate in the state, with strict new rules on identification and further limits on cooperation with federal agencies.would require every law enforcement officer working in Oregon, including federal agents and out-of-state officers, to be clearly and unmistakably identifiable while on duty. Under the proposal, police and other officers would have to wear visible identification on their outermost uniform, displaying their agency and either a name, badge number, or both. "Public confidence in local law enforcement is eroded when masks render it impossible to identify what law enforcement agency an individual works for," said Rep. Farah Chaichi, D-Beaverton, the chief sponsor of the bill.The measure would also broadly prohibit officers from wearing masks or face coverings during official activities, with limited exceptions for undercover work or necessary safety gear. Backers argue the bill will curb anonymity in policing and ensure that people know exactly who is acting in their communities. Critics, including some within the bill’s own party, have publicly questioned how far Oregon can go in restricting masks for federal officers and how the rules would play out in real world operations. At a January 23 Eugene City Club forum, Senate Judiciary Chair Floyd Prozanski acknowledged those limits, saying the state does not have the authority to force federal agents to remove masks because federal law supersedes state law. "The reality is we’re talking about the supremacy clause of the Constitution as to the federal laws over superseding whatever we will do at the state level," said Senator Prozanski. Prozanski noted that Oregon already has identification requirements for its own officers, but acknowledged the state cannot impose those same rules on federal agents.“One of the things I think we should do is require the mask itself to have identification on it,” said Prozanski. “So basically when you're there, of course from there, you can see who that agency is and what that number is or that name of that person." State Republicans also believe this kind of legislation wouldn't withstand legal challenges at the federal level. House Minority Leader Lucetta Elmer told KATU on Monday that she doesn't believe most of the immigration enforcement-related legislation will be enforceable at the federal level. “I know they'll at least be challenged, which is going to cause delay, and it's going to cost money," said Elmer. "I think it's posturing, I think it's political rhetoric, I think it's a tool being used to make a statement." In a statement to KATU, DHS Assistant Secretary Trisha McLaughlin sharply criticized the proposal, saying it would put federal officers at risk. “Sanctuary politicians attempting to ban our federal law enforcement from wearing masks is despicable and a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers. To be crystal clear: we will not abide by a state’s unconstitutional ban," said McLaughlin. McLaughlen argued that masks are used to protect federal agents from being targeted and harassed, particularly in an era of online doxxing and heightened tensions around immigration enforcement. She said assaults on ICE officers have risen dramatically and accused Oregon lawmakers of fueling hostility toward law enforcement. The proposal also restricts cooperation between state and local law enforcement employees and federal or out of state agencies. It would bar public employees from assisting in operations targeting individuals based on speech, political activity, or membership in a protected class, and would require public agencies to adopt policies prohibiting the use of local resources in ways that violate constitutional rights. The bill further imposes new transparency requirements on joint task forces and federal partnerships, including the public posting of participation agreements, while requiring that officers deputized by federal partners continue to comply with Oregon law. Perhaps most strikingly, the legislation creates a new civil cause of action: individuals who can demonstrate harm resulting from violations of the identification or cooperation provisions could sue for damages.Oregon, Washington consider bans on law enforcement masks to conceal identities Under the changes, law enforcement agencies would be required to adopt clear written rules governing officer identification and face coverings, with specific exceptions for undercover and SWAT operations. It also expands the bill to ensure the rules clearly apply to federal and out-of-state agencies, and adds stronger transparency requirements for joint task force agreements. Instead of creating new crimes, the amendment allows people harmed by violations to sue in civil court for damages or to seek a court order to stop the unlawful action.Former Geneva American Legion post commander sentenced in grand larceny case A former American Legion post commander in Ontario County accused of stealing thousands of dollars from the post has been sentenced to prison.Lyons, N.Y. — A woman faces charges after the Wayne County Sheriff's Office said she sold drugs near a school.Group of 67 people rescued after Gore Mountain gondola freezesHenrietta, N.Y. - A crash overnight knocked wires down and cut off power to about 1,000 residents.It happened around 1:30 at the intersection of Scottsville Wes
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