Newsom Challenges Masked ICE Agents: “Unmask — What Are You Afraid Of?”

California Governor Gavin Newsom has ignited a national debate with his latest push for transparency and accountability in law enforcement. On September 20, 2025, Newsom signed the No Secret Police Act (SB 627), a groundbreaking state law that bans immigration enforcement agents—including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—from wearing masks or concealing their identities during operations.

Standing alongside immigrant rights advocates in Los Angeles, Newsom delivered a sharp message directed at ICE officers: “Unmask. What are you afraid of?” His words quickly reverberated nationwide, underscoring California’s ongoing role as a counterweight to federal immigration policy.

What the Law Requires

Under SB 627, most law enforcement agents in California will be prohibited from wearing balaclavas, face shields, or any gear designed to hide their identity. Exceptions will apply only in limited cases, such as undercover assignments, legitimate medical needs, or highly sensitive tactical missions.

The law also obligates officers to display visible name tags or badge numbers, ensuring that members of the public know exactly who is conducting an operation. This provision, Newsom argued, is essential to prevent abuses of power and strengthen trust between communities and law enforcement agencies.

Newsom’s Rationale

The governor described masked raids as tactics that instill fear rather than security. Comparing them to “scenes from a dystopian movie where people vanish without explanation,” Newsom emphasized that secrecy has no place in a democratic society. “Californians deserve transparency, accountability, and respect,” he said.

In addition, California has enacted complementary measures that limit ICE’s access to sensitive spaces. For example, immigration officers must now obtain judicial warrants before entering schools and hospitals, and they are required to notify educators or parents when operating near school grounds.

Pushback from Federal Officials

The new law immediately drew criticism from the Trump administration and federal law enforcement groups. The Department of Homeland Security argued that unmasking agents puts them at risk of harassment, retaliation, or even violence. Critics also raised constitutional questions about whether California has the authority to regulate the appearance of federal officers acting within its borders.

Still, Newsom dismissed those claims as exaggerated, pointing out that little evidence exists to prove masked anonymity is necessary for agent safety. “Accountability cannot come second to secrecy,” he insisted.

Broader Impact on Immigration Enforcement

California has long positioned itself as a sanctuary state, prioritizing immigrant protections over federal crackdowns. By passing SB 627, the state is now at the forefront of redefining how enforcement operations are carried out—placing community trust and transparency above aggressive, fear-based tactics.

For immigrant families and advocacy groups, the law represents a crucial step toward dignity and security. For federal officials, however, it is likely to become another flashpoint in the battle between state sovereignty and federal authority.

As the No Secret Police Act takes effect in January 2026, the real test will be in its enforcement—and in how ICE responds when state and federal priorities collide.