LA’s progressive Board of Supervisors votes to ban masked ICE agents — DHS fires back in furious rebuke
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors took a bold step against federal immigration enforcement on Tuesday, voting unanimously (4‑0) to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks while on duty. The move prompted a swift backlash from the Department of Homeland Security.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin called the ordinance “dangerous and unconstitutional.” She explained that masking helps ICE officers protect themselves from growing threats like doxxing and physical violence. “While ICE law enforcement officers face a 1,150% increase in assaults and an 8,000% increase in death threats, these Sanctuary politicians of Los Angeles County want to make it easier for violent political extremists to target our brave men and women,” McLaughlin told the Post.
She also warned that gangs such as Tren de Aragua and MS‑13 have targeted officers’ families and accused the county of attempting to “violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.” She added that the ban would give these groups more leverage to target law‑enforcement officers.
The board pushed forward, citing months of frustration after ICE moved in on June 6, which led to the removal of “at least 5,000 purportedly undocumented people” by August 26, according to the motion adopted.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the sole conservative on the five‑woman board, abstained from voting. The board’s jurisdiction covers a $5.2 billion budget and more than 10 million residents. During the session, protesters loudly demanded “Take ICE, not us!” and deputies moved to clear the chamber. After a short pause, the board returned and passed the measure unchanged.
The heart of the rule is a sweeping ban on local, state, or federal officers concealing their faces or identities while interacting with the public in unincorporated Los Angeles County. It would also require officers to display visible identification and agency affiliation. Limited exceptions remain for undercover work, SWAT teams, medical masks, and mandatory safety gear.
Janice Hahn and Lindsey Horvath—who drafted the ordinance—argued that masked officers in tactical gear and plainclothes have been pulling people from homes and workplaces without identifying themselves, fostering fear, confusion, and an opening for real criminals to impersonate federal agents.
County Counsel Dawyn R. Harrison cautioned that the board would likely face a Supreme Court challenge on the Supremacy Clause, noting that the federal government has already sued to block California’s statewide version of the law.
The Supremacy Clause states that federal law takes priority over state law. The ordinance will be considered again on December 9, and if approved a second time it will become law 30 days later.
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