The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has directed the drafting of an ordinance that would prohibit law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks that conceal their identity, except during special operations.

The initiative by local authorities comes in response to recent immigration raids during which some federal agents refused to identify themselves or wore face coverings.

Under the proposed regulation, officers would also be required to visibly display their badges while performing their duties.

Janice Hahn, co-author of the motion, stated that residents have the right to know who is stopping, questioning, or detaining them during enforcement actions.

However, she acknowledged that it remains uncertain whether the county has the legal authority to enforce such a law when it comes to actions conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal agencies.

Legal scholar Erwin Chemerinsky told the Associated Press that a court may ultimately have to determine whether the ordinance interferes with officers’ ability to carry out their official responsibilities.

The county counsel, who will be responsible for drafting the ordinance, has 60 days to present the proposed legislation to the board for approval.

Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum reported that a total of 75,000 Mexican nationals have been repatriated from the United States between January 20 and mid-July.

This significant wave of repatriations has occurred as Washington carries out intensified immigration raids targeting individuals without proper documentation to remain in the country.

Many of these operations, conducted by ICE, have faced criticism for the alleged use of excessive force and arbitrary enforcement practices, according to civil rights organizations, eyewitnesses, and media reports.