LAPD won’t enforce federal agent mask ban: ‘It wasn’t well thought out,’ Chief McDonnell

Federal agents who defy California’s new mask ban won’t face enforcement from the LAPD, the police chief said.

“It wasn’t well thought out,” Chief Jim McDonnell said in a press conference Friday.

“The reality of one armed agency approaching another armed agency to create conflict over something that would be a misdemeanor at best or an infraction, it doesn’t make any sense,” McDonnell added.

The law, known as the “No Secret Police Act,” mandates visible identification and permits violations to be cited as misdemeanors. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law, it took effect January 1st. The Trump administration has challenged the statute, arguing it interferes with federal operations.

The Department of Justice is challenging the “No Secret Police Act” saying it’s unconstitutional, and creates risks for agents, including harassment.

Exceptions to the law include masks permitted for undercover operations, medical reasons, or specific protective gear, such as tactical helmets. 

Masked mobs of people clashed with federal officers outside the Metropolitan Detention Center over the weekend.

Protesters were seen throwing water bottles, bottles, rocks, debris and other objects at federal and assisting law enforcement officers.

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The Chief added he would like to see some tactical changes in the way federal agents operate. 

“We are in line with our federal partners on everything except immigration enforcement, what we’ve seen since June here in Los Angeles and seen across the country, we’re as frustrated as everybody else — about the way that’s being done,” McDonnell said.