Los Angeles County supervisors took the first step toward banning law enforcement officers from wearing masks in another move targeting federal immigration operations in the area.
Supervisor Janice Hahn introduced the possible mask ban at a July 29 meeting. Hahn accused masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers of sowing fear in the community while conducting deportation operations and expressed concerns that impostors could be encouraged by such practice to commit crimes.
Hahn said she didn’t know how or if the county could enforce such a ban.
“It’s unclear if we here at the county can regulate federal agents,” Hahn said at the meeting. “Ultimately, it’s probably going to be decided in court. But regardless, it’s important that we set the clear expectation that when you are in Los Angeles County, this is how all law enforcement should conduct themselves.”…