United States v. California

On behalf of 14 California local governments and leaders, Public Rights Project filed an amicus brief in a case challenging two California laws prohibiting law enforcement from wearing facial coverings and requiring identification when on duty. The laws were passed in response to frequent and destructive immigration enforcement occurring throughout the State.

The federal government is challenging the laws. Our brief supports California’s laws and opposes the federal government’s request to block their enforcement.

The brief argues that anonymity in law enforcement decreases public safety and trust in law enforcement, citing examples of people being physically assaulted by masked federal agents. The fear of harassment — and the ability to seek relief because of federal agents’ anonymity – prevents people from going to work, visiting local businesses, and sending children to school. The brief explains that local governments must divert their resources when local police departments respond to increased calls from concerned residents. It also emphasizes that federal law enforcement’s anonymity curtails Californians’ ability to seek redress when serious constitutional violations occur.