In a bold defiance of California's newly enacted law, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has declared it will not comply with the state's prohibition on law enforcement officers wearing masks.
The legislation, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, was primarily targeted at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Newsom, in his address, expressed his concerns about the anonymity of law enforcement, stating, Unmarked cars, people in masks, people quite literally disappearing, no due process, no rights. He further announced his intention to sign a bill, the first of its kind in the nation, challenging ICE to reveal their identities, asking, Enough, ICE, unmask, what are you afraid of?
However, as reported by Fox News, the DHS has dismissed the California law as inconsequential. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California asserted the state's lack of authority over federal matters, stating, The State of California does not and cannot have jurisdiction.
Essayli further speculated on the governor's potential response, saying, I think what the governor might do is he might file a lawsuit. He might run to a judge to try to get some sort of order, but were very confident.
In the interim, ICE has made it clear that it will not be influenced by Newsom's legislation. A post on the DHS website declared, To be clear: We will NOT comply with Gavin Newsoms unconstitutional mask ban.
The post further criticized the governor for endangering law enforcement officers, stating, At a time that ICE law enforcement faces a 1,000% increase in assaults and their family members are being doxxed and targeted, the sitting Governor of California signed unconstitutional legislation that strips law enforcement of protections in a disgusting, diabolical fundraising and PR stunt.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin echoed these sentiments, accusing Newsom of promoting division and hostility towards law enforcement. She stated, Gov. Gavin Newsom is fanning the flames of division, hatred and dehumanization of our law enforcement.
McLaughlin also referred to a threatening online post from Newsom's team against DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, stating, The violent rhetoric and demonization must stop. To be crystal clear: We will not abide by Newsoms unconstitutional ban.
Noem herself described the post, which read, Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today. Youre welcome, America, as cryptic and it was really menacing. She revealed to Fox News host Sean Hannity that the post had caused alarm among her family and friends, who were concerned for her safety.
Noem also emphasized the importance of respectful dialogue, stating, I hope we all learn that its time to start listening to each other, having civil discourse, and stop ridiculous, irresponsible posts like Gov. Newsom put out there.
The DHS's refusal to comply with California's mask ban law highlights the ongoing tension between federal and state authorities. It remains to be seen how this conflict will unfold and what implications it will have for law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.
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