Unmask

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

Arizona Supreme Court Deliberates on Groundbreaking Law to Unmask ‘Dark Money’ in Elections

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Supreme Court is deliberating on a significant voter-approved law aimed at increasing transparency around campaign financing, specifically regarding “dark money” contributions. This legislation, which requires organizations engaged in political activity to disclose their donors, has become a focal point in the broader debate concerning political funding and transparency. The law, known as Proposition 211, was secured through a public vote in November 2022, garnering overwhelming support from Arizona residents who seek to understand the sources of funding behind political messaging. Proponents argue that disclosure is essential for ensuring accountability and an … Read more

Los Angeles County Moves to Unmask Law Enforcement: New Ordinance Aims to Restore Public Trust Amid Immigration Raids

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Los Angeles County officials are pushing for a new ordinance aimed at enhancing transparency among law enforcement during their operations. This initiative is largely sparked by a series of immigration enforcement actions in the region, where federal agents have been seen obscuring their identities with masks, raising concerns among community members. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors approved a 4-0 vote, with one member abstaining, to instruct the county counsel to draft a law that would restrict all law enforcement personnel, including federal agents, from wearing masks while on duty. Exceptions to this rule would … Read more