Washington state bans law enforcement from wearing masks while on duty [View all]

Source: msn/The Independent

12h


Washington state has enacted a new law barring all law‑enforcement personnel — including Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents — from wearing masks while on duty.

Governor Bob Ferguson, a Democrat, signed the bill into law on Thursday after it sailed through the Democratic‑run House and Senate by comfortable margins.“Law enforcement’s job is to protect us — yet, ICE is hiding from public accountability,” Ferguson said in a statement. “For the safety of both the public and law enforcement, Washingtonians must know they are interacting with legitimate law enforcement officers.”

All non‑transparent face coverings — such as ski masks, gaiters, tactical masks, and balaclavas — are now banned for law‑enforcement personnel, though religious exemptions are allowed. The measure also allows individuals detained by masked officers who flout the law the ability to take legal action, including by seeking compensation.

“Masked enforcement has sown fear, terror, and distrust in our communities,” Democratic state Sen. Javier Valdez, who sponsored the bill, said in a statement. “This new law ensures that anyone exercising power over another person is fully accountable and visible, and that families across Washington can feel safe knowing who is in a position of authority. Transparency is not optional, and justice should never hide behind a mask.”

Read more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/politics/government/washington-state-bans-law-enforcement-from-wearing-masks-while-on-duty/ar-AA1Z4ZfI