Los Angeles County officials are calling for an ordinance to prohibit law enforcement officers from concealing their identities while on duty. (AP)
Federal agents have conducted ICE raids in Southern California since June under President Donald Trump's mass deportation agenda, sparking protests and the subsequent federal deployment of the National Guard and Marines. About half the Guard troops and all the Marines have since been pulled out of Los Angeles.
Supervisor Janice Hahn, who co-authored the motion, said the raids have provoked fear and residents have a right to know who is stopping, questioning or detaining them.
"Across the county, people are being pulled out of their cars, beaten, and ripped from their families by men in tactical gear with balaclavas, no badges, and no names," Hahn said. "That’s not how law enforcement in a democracy should operate."
Hahn admitted that it is unclear if the county will be able to enforce the measure against actions by federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
"Ultimately, it might have to be decided by a court," she said.
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A pending measure in the California legislature would prohibit local, state, and federal police from covering their faces while on duty in the Golden State. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
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In Los Angeles County, the county counsel has 60 days to submit the draft ordinance to the board for approval.
Supervisor Hilda Solis, the other co-author, said local officials must establish expectations about how law enforcement should conduct themselves in the county.
"The use of masks, tactical gear, and refusal to show identification is not only alarming and confusing, but erodes public trust and raises serious safety concerns," Solis said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/los-angeles-county-pushes-prohibit-law-enforcement-from-hiding-identities-while-job