(Washington) American immigration police agents can continue to wear a mask in California during their operations, a federal judge ruled Monday, adding however that members of ICE must be identifiable.
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Magistrate Christina Snyder ruled that a Californian text named No Secret Police Actwhich was to come into force soon, “illegally discriminated against federal agents” since it applied to them alone, exempting those from the local police, according to the text of its decision.
The Attorney General of the United States, Pam Bondi, claimed a victory, at the end of this procedure initiated by the Department of Justice.
PHOTO ALEX WROBLEWSKI, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES
United States Attorney General Pam Bondi
“We will continue to fight and win in court to (defend) President Trump’s law and order agenda, and we will always support our formidable federal law enforcement agents,” she wrote on X.
The federal judge, however, argued in her decision that a ban on mask wearing could be constitutional if it were extended to local law enforcement.
The co-author of the text, Scott Wiener, member of the California Senate, therefore announced on Monday to “immediately” amend it so that it also applies to local agents.
Judge Snyder also maintained a measure requiring members of ICE to identify themselves and display their identification number.
“California will continue to defend civil rights and our democracy,” reacted on X the state’s Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, one of Donald Trump’s most publicized opponents.
The use of masks by unidentified and heavily armed members of ICE is causing controversy in Democratic cities in the United States where this police is increasing raids in the name of the fight against illegal immigration.
