Ban on police face coverings pitched ahead of WA’s 2026 legislative session

Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard

December 08, 2025 / 12:48 pm

The Trump administration is challenging a similar law passed in California, amid worries over masked immigration agents.

California in September became the first state to ban law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings, in response to immigration raids where federal agents wore masks.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued the state over the prohibition last month. Democratic lawmakers here in Washington are now planning similar legislation.

Washington’s proposal, spearheaded by Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, and Rep. Julio Cortes, D-Everett, resembles California’s law.

The Trump administration says the California policy j

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