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Finally, Some Push back – Proposed State Law to Make Police Wearing Masks Guilty of a Misdemeanor [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-06-17
Two California legislators have an answer to Federal Storm-troopers (masked, without badges or identification) marauding though immigrant areas unconstitutionally arresting people without probable cause or a court order.
They have proposed a law - the No Secret Police Act (SB 627) to make masked police or those without identification guilty of a misdemeanor and I assume require them to appear in court to answer charges. The National Guard, other troops, and SWAT teams would be exempt from the law.
Federal agents who break state laws are subject to arrest, fine, and even imprisonment.
It is time to hold them accountable. Unaccountable police are the foot soldiers of a “police state” and their activities must be subject to the law. They are in no way “above the law” or Constitution no matter how many MAGA people wish they were.
Secret police will make the US unlivable and a place of fear if this behavior by law enforcement is allowed to continue.
The two California senators “said the proposal seeks to boost transparency and public trust in law enforcement.”
The Right Wing which often values police power above all else are attempting to make police out to be potential victims, afraid for their safety, and unable to protect themselves from “terrorists.”
DHS is saying that ICE officers are facing a “more than 400 percent increase in assault.” But this defense (if true which is a BIG if) fails to acknowledge that arresting people without a warrant is against the law. Citizens and residents know their constitutional rights are being ignored and violated. This might have something to do with the increase in resistance and assaults. This seems like a classic “blame the victim” strategy by DHS.
In addition, if civil servants and politicians are brave enough to stand up in public and state opinions which are often unpopular and which might put them in danger, why all of a sudden are federal police officials demanding the additional protection of masks to hide the identity of officers. It makes this group of police look more weak and afraid than your average politician.
Note also how the same MAGA people complaining about officers being assaulted cared little about the over 100 officers being assaulted when the Capital was attacked by a mob on January 6th. The President and his MAGA followers gave them all a get-out-of-jail-free card without any push back from Republicans. So much for the great concern for police by the “law and order” party.
That ICE officers could be doxed is the great fear. However, in the 250-year history of the US, I am aware of no situation where “secret police” were required to maintain order or enforce the law. It was not necessary in the past and it is not necessary now.
But in addition, if anyone in society can protect themselves, it is police who have specialized training and weapons. They have less reason to fear than most of us.
It is the citizens without police protection, without training, without weapons, and without the institutional support of courts and district attorneys who are defenseless.
If police are to “protect and serve” the public, being open about their identities must be a nonnegotiable requirement. The public must be able to distinguish police from criminals who wear masks to disguise their identities because they are afraid of being caught and prosecuted.
Police should have the full support of the public whose lives are often in their hands but ultimately it is their choice whether they wish to serve or not. Being anonymous in a position of such great authority and responsibility is not an option.
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[1] Url:
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