Chicago – March 19, 2026
Several Democratic-led states are pushing legislation to ban masks for federal immigration agents amid President Trump’s aggressive deportation efforts. These proposals also extend to local police to avoid legal challenges. The moves aim to boost accountability but face doubts over enforcement and officer safety.
Washington state’s Governor Bob Ferguson is set to sign a law restricting facial coverings for all law enforcement, effective immediately. Oregon and Virginia’s Democratic legislatures recently approved similar anti-masking bills. Hawaii, Maryland, and Vermont have advancing proposals in at least one chamber.
A federal judge halted California’s first such law, acting as a “green light” for other states. Masked federal agents have become common in raids, sparking fears of unaccountable aggression during Trump’s mass deportations. Critics say masks enable misconduct without identification.
Local police express doubts about the bans conflicting with federal operations. Agents cite doxxing risks for wearing masks. Federal laws like the proposed VISIBLE Act seek similar ID mandates nationally.
