Local governments urge court to preserve visible identification for law enforcement

SAN FRANCISCO — Public Rights Project filed an amicus brief today in support of a California law that requires local, state and federal law enforcement officers — including ICE agents — to display visible identification while on duty. 

The brief was filed on behalf of a coalition of local governments and leaders across 10 states. It asks the appeals court to uphold a district court’s decision rejecting the federal government’s request to overturn a law requiring federal officers to clearly identify their agency and name or badge number. 

“When law enforcement officers can hide who they are, it erodes both public trust and public safety,” said Jill Habig, founder and CEO of Public Rights Project. “California’s law is a model for states and cities across the country. We’re proud to stand alongside local leaders who are defending common-sense standards that promote transparency and accountability.”

The brief argues that when law enforcement conceals their identities, it creates widespread confusion and fear, undermining public safety and enabling criminal impersonation. A recent opinion from the Ninth Circuit barred California from enforcing the law pending completion of the appeal. The brief also notes that prohibiting states and local governments from requiring visible identification violates the exercise of their independent police powers.  

The brief outlines several impacts of allowing officers to shield their identities:

• Strain on local resources: Police departments field increased calls from concerned residents and must respond to incidents involving unidentified federal officers.
• Erosion of trust: Residents are less likely to report crimes or cooperate with investigations when they can’t identify officers.
• Breakdown of accountability: Without visible identification, it becomes harder for individuals to seek recourse when their rights are violated.
• Departure from longstanding practice: Law enforcement agencies have historically required visible identification to ensure transparency and oversight.

This is Public Rights Project’s second amicus brief in United States v. California. The challenged law — the No Vigilantes Act — was enacted in direct response to the Trump administration’s violent immigration enforcement surges, which triggered mass protests, civil unrest and widespread community panic in Los Angeles last June.

The full list of cities, counties and local leaders that joined this most recent brief is included in the filing. 

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