Overview
- Supervisors approved the first reading 4–0, with Kathryn Barger abstaining, and set a second vote for Dec. 9; if adopted, the ordinance would take effect 30 days later.
- The proposal covers unincorporated areas and requires all officers, including federal agents, to display visible identification and agency affiliation when interacting with the public.
- Carve‑outs allow face coverings for undercover and SWAT operations, medical or breathing equipment, and motorcycle helmets.
- DHS publicly opposes mask bans, says agents will not comply, and cites steep increases in assaults and doxxing threats; the Justice Department is already suing to block California’s similar law.
- County counsel says a Supremacy Clause challenge is likely, and the move follows summer immigration sweeps that officials say resulted in roughly 5,000 arrests, as similar efforts surface in Virginia.