Oregon Passes Bill Regulating Masked Federal Agents

New law requires federal agents to display identification and limits use of facial coverings

Mar. 12, 2026 at 11:05pm

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The Oregon legislature has passed a bill that would require federal immigration agents operating in the state to display unique identification numbers or last names, as well as their agency affiliation. The bill also mandates that law enforcement agencies adopt policies generally prohibiting the use of facial coverings. Governor Tina Kotek is expected to sign the legislation, which aims to increase transparency and accountability for federal agents conducting operations in Oregon.

Why it matters

The new law is a response to concerns about federal immigration agents, particularly from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), conducting operations while wearing masks that make it difficult to identify individual officers. This has raised issues of transparency and public trust, especially in immigrant communities that have reported being less willing to report crimes due to the uncertainty around who is conducting enforcement actions.

The details

House Bill 4138 gives law enforcement agencies 180 days to create public policies complying with the new identification and facial covering requirements. The legislation allows Oregonians, law enforcement oversight bodies, or local governments to file written objections to an agency's policy, which would then require the agency to correct any deficiencies within another 180 days. If the agency fails to address the objection, the person or group who filed it could sue the agency in state court.

  • The Oregon Legislature passed HB 4138 in March 2026.
  • Governor Tina Kotek is expected to sign the bill into law.

The players

Tina Kotek

The Governor of Oregon, who has signaled she will sign HB 4138 into law.

Farrah Chaichi

A Democratic state representative from Beaverton, Oregon, who was the author of HB 4138.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has faced criticism over the use of masked agents conducting operations.

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What they’re saying

“Fascism isn't knocking at our doors anymore; it is knocking down our doors without warrants and we must respond accordingly.”

— Farrah Chaichi, State Representative

“Sanctuary politicians attempting to ban our federal law enforcement from wearing masks and demanding that they reveal their identities is despicable and a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers.”

— Lauren Bis, Deputy Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

What’s next

Governor Tina Kotek is expected to sign HB 4138 into law in the coming weeks. The legislation will then give law enforcement agencies 180 days to create policies complying with the new identification and facial covering requirements.

The takeaway

Oregon's new law represents a unique state-level approach to addressing concerns about transparency and accountability for federal immigration enforcement actions, particularly the use of masked agents. While the legislation's ability to regulate federal agents may face legal challenges, it aims to increase visibility and trust in local law enforcement for all Oregonians.