Proposed ban on police face coverings gains momentum in WA Legislature
A ban on police face coverings has been one of the most talked about policy proposals in the first two days of Washington’s legislative session, with lead lawmakers and the governor lining up in support.
Senate Bill 5855, which covers local, state and federal law enforcement, stems from fears of masked federal agents carrying out immigration raids and arrests across the country.
The bill’s prime sponsor, Sen. Javier Valdez, D-Seattle, said he thinks “it will make our marginalized immigrant communities feel safer” and build trust between the public and police.
Last week, for example, masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents reportedly arrested three people and pulled them into an unmarked van, according to The Seattle Times.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/01/13/proposed-ban-on-police-face-coverings-gains-momentum-in-wa-legislature/
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