pstrongCalifornia

California Takes a Stand: New Law Bans Masked Federal Agents to Combat “Secret Police” Tactics

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California has enacted a new law prohibiting federal immigration officers from disguising their identities while performing their duties, following the signing of legislation by Governor Gavin Newsom. This law, effective January 1, is part of a broader movement to counter tactics that the governor refers to as “secret police” practices, which gained prominence during the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts. Senator Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, introduced the legislation known as the No Secret Police Act, SB 627. He emphasized that the bill seeks to curtail racial profiling and authoritarian policing. In a … Read more

California Legislature Moves to Unmask Law Enforcement, Boost Transparency Amid Immigration Raids

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LOS ANGELES — The California Legislature took a significant step Thursday by passing two bills aimed at increasing transparency for law enforcement officials on duty. These measures prohibit on-duty officers, including federal immigration agents, from concealing their identities with masks and require them to properly identify themselves. Senate Bill 627, co-authored by Senators Scott Wiener of San Francisco and Jesse Arreguín of Berkeley, includes specific exemptions for tactical units such as SWAT teams. The bill was introduced in response to recent immigration enforcement activities in Los Angeles, which involved federal officers wearing face coverings during … Read more

California Moves to Unmask Law Enforcement Amid Supreme Court Decision on ICE Raids

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LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The California legislature has passed a bill aimed at preventing law enforcement officers from concealing their identities while on duty. This move comes in response to recent immigration enforcement actions where some federal agents wore masks during operations in the Los Angeles area. The bill, approved on Thursday, is now headed for Governor Gavin Newsom’s approval. If signed into law, it prohibits local and federal law enforcement, including agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from wearing facial coverings, such as neck gators or ski masks, during official duties. Exceptions exist … Read more

California Takes Stand Against Housing Ban: Norwalk to Repeal Restrictions and Invest in Affordable Housing

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California’s City of Norwalk has reached a settlement with state officials following a lawsuit over a housing ban that targeted vulnerable populations. The settlement was announced by Attorney General Rob Bonta, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Gustavo Velasquez, the director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The lawsuit, filed on November 4, 2024, claimed that Norwalk’s prohibition on emergency shelters, supportive housing, single-room occupancy units, and transitional housing violated several state laws. The state sought a court order to compel Norwalk to repeal the housing ban and comply with California housing regulations. … Read more