California lawmakers passed a pair of controversial bills late Thursday that would prohibit most law enforcement officers from covering their faces while interacting with the public, a direct response to the immigration raids the Trump administration ordered in the West Coast state earlier this summer. 

Federal officers in green neck gaiters and other face coverings have jumped out of vans and cars to detain people across California, prompting a wave of fear, frustration, and criticism from Democratic leaders.

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The legislation, passed by Democratic lawmakers who hold a supermajority in both houses of the state legislature, would apply to local and federal agencies.

The first bill, SB 627, written by state Sens. Scott Wiener and Jesse Arreguin, makes exceptions for SWAT teams, undercover officers, and people who need masks for medical reasons. 

“The idea that in California we would have law enforcement officers running around with ski masks is terrifying,” Wiener said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. 

His office told the Washington Examiner that “if we want the public to trust law enforcement, we cannot allow them to behave like secret police in an authoritarian state.” 

“Law enforcement officers do critically important work to keep our communities safe, and they should be proud to show their faces and provide identifying information when doing so,” he added. “It boosts trust in law enforcement, which makes it easier for law enforcement to do their jobs and makes California safer for all of us.”

He said that allowing officers to disguise themselves creates an atmosphere in which anyone with nefarious intentions could stop and detain people. 

The second bill, SB 805, was sponsored by state Sen. Sasha Renee Perez and focuses on plainclothes immigration officers who don’t identify themselves. Her bill requires that they display their agency as well as badge number or name. 

“With the rise in impersonation claims and the ensuing fear and confusion being created, there is a clear need for stronger, more consistent standards for law enforcement identification,” she said in a statement. “This legislation is not just raising the issue; it aims to directly address it by reaffirming the state’s role under its policing powers.” 

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The bills are now headed to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D-CA) desk for his signature.

He has not indicated whether he supports them or not.