The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has taken a firm stance against California’s directive that prohibits federal immigration agents from wearing masks while on duty. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated that his department will not enforce this law, which was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2025.
Chief McDonnell expressed concerns regarding public safety, stating that enforcing a misdemeanor violation against federal agents could escalate tensions in already volatile situations. “From a practical standpoint, our role when we get to a scene is to de-escalate the situation, not to ramp it up,” he explained during an interview on Fox Los Angeles’ “Good Day LA.” He emphasized that enforcing such a law could potentially endanger both officers and the public.
The law, which makes it a misdemeanor for law enforcement to wear masks during official duties, was introduced as a measure to increase transparency and accountability among federal agents. Critics of the Trump administration’s immigration policies have raised concerns about masked agents, suggesting that they could pose a public safety risk by concealing their identities.
Governor Newsom’s office has indicated that they are prepared to defend the law in court, as the Trump administration has already filed a lawsuit challenging its enforcement. The law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, unless blocked by the courts.
McDonnell’s decision has sparked a debate on the balance between public safety and the enforcement of state laws. As the LAPD navigates this complex landscape, the implications of this directive will likely continue to unfold in the coming months.
For more details, visit the original source: Fox News.