LAPD Refuses to Enforce California Mask Ban on ICE Agents

Police chief says the law is a 'poor public policy decision' that could escalate conflicts.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 5:39pm

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The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has announced that it will not enforce California's ban on federal immigration agents wearing masks during operations. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell criticized the law as a 'poor public policy decision' that could create unnecessary conflict between armed agencies over a minor offense. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has also stated it will not enforce the ban due to federal supremacy over immigration matters.

Why it matters

The mask ban law, signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom, is part of the state's ongoing efforts to limit federal immigration enforcement activities. However, local law enforcement agencies have pushed back, arguing the law could escalate tensions and create dangerous situations.

The details

The LAPD chief said the law lacks proper consideration, as 'one armed agency confronting another over a misdemeanor creates unnecessary conflict.' He stated the department's job is to de-escalate situations, not escalate them. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department also said it will not enforce the ban due to federal supremacy over immigration matters.

  • The law took effect on January 1, 2026.
  • The Trump administration sued California over the law in November 2025.

The players

Jim McDonnell

The chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who signed the mask ban law into effect.

Trump administration

The federal government, which sued California over the mask ban law.

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What they’re saying

“The reality of one armed agency approaching another armed agency to create conflict over something that would be a misdemeanor at best or an infraction, it doesn't make any sense. It's not a good public policy decision and it wasn't well thought out in my opinion.”

— Jim McDonnell, LAPD Chief (Los Angeles Daily News)

“What are you afraid of?”

— Gavin Newsom (Fox News)

What’s next

The Trump administration's lawsuit challenging the mask ban law is currently under a legal stay as the case proceeds through the courts.

The takeaway

This conflict highlights the ongoing tensions between California's efforts to limit federal immigration enforcement and the federal government's assertion of authority over such matters. Local law enforcement agencies are caught in the middle, forced to balance public safety concerns with the political dynamics of the situation.