The Dangers of Impersonators: Why California Wants to Unmask Law Enforcement (SB 627)
Across the United States, ICE has been harassing community members while covering their faces and hiding badges. The California Senate Bill 627 aims to unmask these officers who are not being held accountable for their actions. SB 627, otherwise referred to as the NO Secret Police Act, will prohibit law enforcement from covering their faces at the local, state, and federal levels during their operations. Officers will face a misdemeanor if they violate this law. The bill requires officers to be identifiable via their uniform, requiring a name tag, badge, or other identifier. Exemptions include SWAT teams and medical masks that are designed to protect against exposure to smoke during wildfires or other extreme emergencies.
Without regulation, law enforcement faces risks of impersonation. If anyone can claim to be law enforcement and take advantage of vulnerable women. Throughout the nation, there have been multiple reports of ICE impersonators taking advantage of immigrant women.
In Brooklyn, ABC7 reported on a man who posed as an immigration officer before stealing belongings and attempting to sexually assault a 51-year-old woman.
In Philadelphia, 6ABC reported on a man who impersonated a law enforcement officer and tied up and robbed a woman at a business.
In North Carolina, News Channel 9 reported on a man who was arrested after impersonating an ICE officer and using a false identity to sexually assault a woman. He threatened to deport the victim if she did not have sex with him.
Unfortunately, ICE impersonations are not new, especially to the Inland Empire. During President Trump's first term, a Fontana man was arrested for impersonating ICE.
“After a search warrant was served at his Fontana home last October, authorities uncovered a trove of firearms, illegal destructive devices, and fraudulent ICE gear.
A fake ICE identification card and body armor carriers with patches reading “ICE” and “Federal Agent” were found along with red-and-blue emergency lights, officials said.”
- Erika Martin, KTLA5
There have been many reports around California of people impersonating ICE officers and other immigration scams. CA Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a warning in this press release.
“We have received reports of individuals looking to take advantage of the fear and uncertainty created by President Trump’s inhumane mass deportation policies. Let me be clear: If you seek to scam or otherwise take advantage of California’s immigrant communities, you will be held accountable. My office will continue to ensure our laws are fully enforced and the rights of California’s immigrants are respected and protected. I encourage anyone who is a witness to or victim of an immigration scam to report it.”
- Rob Bonta, CA Attorney General
The bill has already passed the California Senate & Assembly. It will now go to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. Many law enforcement agencies have voiced their disdain for the bill. Without your voice, the decision lies in the hands of people who already hold too much power. If this bill does not pass, our vulnerable populations will continue to be victimized. You can send a letter to the govenery here: bit.ly/signsb627.