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Hawaii Lawmakers Amend Bill to Unmask Federal Immigration Agents
Proposed legislation aims to limit cooperation between state and federal immigration enforcement
Published on Feb. 6, 2026
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The Hawaii state legislature has amended a bill that would require federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to unmask themselves when operating in the state. The amended bill, Senate Bill 2203, now includes exceptions that allow some local law enforcement officers to cover their faces in certain situations, such as during undercover operations. The bill is part of a broader legislative effort in Hawaii to limit state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Why it matters
This legislation reflects growing tensions between state and local governments and the federal government over immigration enforcement. Hawaii is seeking to assert more control over immigration activities within the state and protect immigrant communities, while the federal government claims supremacy in this area. The outcome of these bills could set an important precedent for the balance of power between states and the federal government on immigration issues.
The details
Senate Bill 2203 was amended to allow some non-undercover Honolulu Police Department and state Department of Law Enforcement officers to cover their faces in certain instances, such as when supporting undercover operations. Other amendments would change when motorcycle officers have to remove face coverings. The committee voted 4-1 to move the amended bill forward. Several other immigration-related bills have also been introduced in the Hawaii legislature, including measures to limit state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and establish standards for law enforcement identification and facial coverings.
- The Senate Judiciary Committee amended Senate Bill 2203 on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
- The House Economic Development and Technology Committee is scheduled to hear five other immigration-enforcement related bills on the same day, February 6, 2026.
The players
Karl Rhoads
Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, a Democratic state senator representing the Nuuanu-Downtown-Iwilei district.
Brenton Awa
Republican state senator representing the Kaneohe-Laie-Mokuleia district, who cast the lone no vote on the amended Senate Bill 2203.
Honolulu Police Department
The local law enforcement agency that raised concerns about the original version of Senate Bill 2203.
Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement
The state law enforcement agency that also raised concerns about the original version of Senate Bill 2203.
Honolulu Prosecutor's Office
The office that would prosecute any mask violations on Oahu and warned of legal challenges to the legislation.
What’s next
The amended Senate Bill 2203 will now move forward in the legislative process, while the House is also considering several other immigration-related bills on the same day.
The takeaway
This legislation reflects the ongoing tensions between state and local governments and the federal government over immigration enforcement. The outcome of these bills could set an important precedent for the balance of power between states and the federal government on this issue.
