Washington state just passed a law banning law enforcement (including federal ICE agents) from wearing masks or face coverings while on duty. Gov. Bob Ferguson signed it Thursday and it took effect immediately.
The whole point is accountability. If you have the power to detain someone, the person you’re detaining has a right to know who you are. That’s it. That’s the whole argument.
The law covers everyone operating in Washington local police, state law enforcement, and federal agents. There are exceptions for things that make sense, like actual protective equipment, SWAT operations, undercover work, and religious face coverings. But tactical balaclavas worn to avoid being identified? Not anymore.
If a masked officer detains you anyway, the law gives you the right to sue. Ferguson said he fully expects this to end up in court and said he’s confident it’ll hold up. California passed a similar law first and is already fighting a federal challenge. Washington’s version actually goes further it applies to all law enforcement, not just federal agents.
Same day, Ferguson also signed a separate bill making it a gross misdemeanor to impersonate a law enforcement officer a response to a surge in people pretending to be ICE agents.
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