LA County supervisors to consider law enforcement mask ban after Long Beach ICE sweeps

L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn said she plans to unveil a new ordinance Friday that would ban all law enforcement from concealing their identities with masks.

The move, which was initiated in June, comes after government leaders and community activists reported a rise in federal immigration enforcement activity Thursday in Long Beach and San Pedro.

In a statement, Hahn said, "ICE is continuing to terrorize our communities," adding the actions "hit Long Beach hard."

"They are not communicating with local law enforcement, and we know they are not targeting violent criminals," Hahn said. "They are targeting people based on the color of their skin, or their accent, or the place that they work. They are violating our residents’ rights every day they remain on our streets. They are creating chaos and spreading fear in our immigrant community, and they need to leave."

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Hahn said the ordinance will:

1. Prohibit all law enforcement, including local, state and federal officials, from wearing masks or personal disguises while interacting with the public in the course of their duties in unincorporated L.A. County; and
2. Require all law enforcement wear visible identification and agency affiliation while interacting with the public in the course of their duties in unincorporated L.A. County

There are some exceptions, like breathing apparatuses or motorcycle helmets.

Hahn said at least nine people were detained by masked agents on Thursday. According to Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, one of those detained was a gardener for Polly's Pies restaurant on Atlantic Avenue. He said federal agents chased down and attacked the man as diners watched.

The Trump administration increased immigration enforcement in Los Angeles County in early June. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said the crackdown is necessary to keep the nation safe from dangerous criminals. However, many activists and leaders have denounced the arrests, saying federal agents are detaining hard-working members of the community and picking up people with no criminal record.

California has already passed state laws that restrict the use of facial coverings by law enforcement. But the Trump administration filed a lawsuit this week to stop them.

The L.A. County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on Hahn's ordinance at its Dec. 2 meeting, when members of the public can share their comments. A required second vote on adopting the ordinance could be held one week later on Dec. 9. If adopted, it would go into effect 30 days later.

How to attend the board meetings:

• Dates: Tuesday, Dec. 2 and Dec. 9
• Location: 500 West Temple St., Los Angeles, in Room 381B, at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
• Time: 9:30 a.m.
• How to watch remotely