Masked law enforcement banned under new Washington state law

Masked law enforcement banned under new Washington state law 

OLYMPIA — Gov. Bob Ferguson on Thursday signed landmark legislation that prohibits local, state, and federal law enforcement officers — including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents operating in Washington — from wearing face-concealing masks while interacting with the public. 

Substitute Senate Bill 5855, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), establishes a standard for police transparency and accountability, requiring officers to reveal their faces when performing public law enforcement duties. The measure responds to ongoing immigration enforcement operations under the Trump administration, during which masked ICE and CBP agents conceal their identities, creating fear and terror for families and communities across Washington and the country. 

“In communities across Washington, and across America, we’ve seen masked individuals detain people, seize neighbors off the street, and whisk them away in unmarked vehicles,” Valdez said. “This law ensures that no one in our state is subjected to anonymous authority. People have the right to know who is exercising power over them.” 

SB 5855 bans opaque masks and other face coverings that hide an officer’s identity, including balaclavas, tactical masks, gaiters, and ski masks. The legislation reinforces existing requirements under RCW 10.116.050 that officers be reasonably identifiable by a clearly displayed name or other identifying information. 

Under SB 5855, officers engaged in undercover operations or tactical assignments, as well as those using personal protective equipment required for health and safety, may still use appropriate face coverings. Clear or translucent face shields, medical masks and respirators used for health and safety, helmets used for transportation, and religious face coverings are explicitly permitted. 

Individuals detained by an officer in violation of the masking prohibition may bring a civil action seeking compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, injunctive relief, and any other remedies the court deems appropriate. 

“Public safety doesn’t require secrecy, and justice should never hide behind a mask,” Valdez said. “In Washington state, we believe something simple: if you have the power to detain someone, the public has the right to know who you are. Accountability isn’t optional, transparency isn’t negotiable, and in a democracy, the people should always be able to see who is behind the badge.” 

“Our communities deserve transparency, accountability, and dignity,” said Rep. Julio Cortes, who sponsored the companion legislation in the House. “This measure ensures that when law enforcement interacts with the public, people can clearly identify who is exercising that authority. This is a commonsense step toward building trust and protecting the rights of everyone in Washington.” 

SB 5855 takes effect immediately under an emergency clause.