Washington State enacts a law prohibiting law enforcement from concealing their identities with masks while interacting with the public, prompted by concerns about federal immigration enforcement actions. The bill provides accountability and aims to increase public trust.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JULY 09: Federal agents wearing masks patrol the halls of immigration court at the Ted Weiss Federal Building on July 09, 2025 in New York City. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is on track to become the largest law enforcement agency in the U.
S. after it was allocated $45 billion for building new detention centers and $14 billion for deportation operations after U.S. President Donald Trump signed last week’s budget bill. The bill also gives state and local governments $3.5 billion for reimbursements for costs related to immigration-related enforcement and detention. Law enforcement officers in Washington state are now prohibited from using masks or other face coverings to conceal their identities while interacting with the public, following the signing of a new law on Thursday. The measure, which takes effect immediately, comes in response to concerns about recent federal immigration enforcement actions in which agents, including those with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have been accused of concealing their identities during operations. Under the law, officers who violate the policy could face civil lawsuits and be held liable for damages. “This is about accountability and public trust,” said state Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle. “No more fear, no more intimidation, and no more hiding your identity while you’re interacting with the public. The public deserves to know who you are.”“Law enforcement’s job is to protect us, yet ICE is hiding from public accountability,” Gov. Bob Ferguson said. “For the safety of both the public and law enforcement, Washingtonians must know they’re interacting with legitimate officers.” The bill signing was briefly disrupted by protesters, some of whom accused the governor of cooperating with federal immigration authorities. The law broadly restricts identity-concealing face coverings but includes several exceptions. Officers may still wear masks for legitimate purposes, such as undercover work, religious reasons, or safety equipment. This includes N95 masks, clear face shields, helmets, and protective gear typically used by specialized units. The legislation faced opposition during hearings, with critics arguing the state lacks authority to regulate federal agencies and warning the policy could endanger officers and their families.“What steps are being taken when people are not following the law and are putting these officers — whether state or federal — in danger by posting their faces on social media, doxxing them and going after their families?” said state Rep. Jenny Graham, R-Spokane, during a February committee hearing. Supporters said the law is a necessary step toward greater accountability and believe it will withstand legal challenges. “Washington state has a history of prevailing in court, and this law will give us a tool to push back,” said state Sen. Rebecca Saldaña, D-Seattle. “It gives local officers and community members the ability to question and speak up if this happens again.”“This is a huge step in making us feel safer as a community,” said Seattle resident Sanjuanita Tovar. “At least people can see faces and identify badges.”A teenager who had been missing for about a month has been rescued by the FBI and the accused captor has been arrested.For more than a month, the search for Nancy Guthrie has played out in Tucson, Arizona, with the mystery surrounding her disappearance only growing.A judge set bail at $100,000 Wednesday for a 40-year-old man accused of causing nearly a quarter of a million dollars in damage after allegedly breaking into thGov. Bob Ferguson is reacting to the news of the abuse allegations made against the late civil rights leader Cesar Chavez.Police say a man caused nearly a quarter of a million dollars in damage after breaking into Chihuly Garden and Glass and attacking a security guard.
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New law prohibits face coverings for law enforcement in Washington stateUnder the law, officers who violate the policy could face civil lawsuits and be held liable for damages.
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