Fresno Police Clarify Enforcement of New Mask Law

Fresno Police Clarify Enforcement of New Mask Law

Fresno city officials have clarified that the Fresno Police Department will not arrest federal agents who violate California’s recently enacted law banning law enforcement officers from wearing masks. This decision is based on safety concerns and the recognition of federal authority.

City Manager Georgeanne White informed the City Council that Mayor Jerry Dyer, currently attending the U.S. Mayor’s Conference in Washington, D.C., emphasized that while Fresno police will adhere to state law regarding mask-wearing, exceptions are allowed under the law. Dyer expressed concerns that enforcing arrests against federal agents could lead to dangerous confrontations between armed personnel.

White noted that Dyer stated, “Should Fresno PD officers see an agent physically abusing a person, I would expect them to stop that as they have a duty to intervene, just as they would if they see a fellow officer abusing a person.” However, in cases involving shootings, “the federal supremacy clause would take effect,” though Dyer hopes Fresno police would investigate alongside the federal agency.

Councilmember Miguel Arias had previously pressed city leaders on the issue, citing incidents of deaths in federal custody and seeking clarity on the enforcement of the law against federal agents. He stressed that residents deserve clarity on whether the law will be enforced universally and emphasized the need for Fresno police to act in situations where federal officers abuse their authority.

The Fresno Police Department stated that it will adhere to department policy concerning ICE operations in the city. The policy outlines that if a specific request is made by ICE or any other federal agency, the department will provide available support services, such as traffic control or keep-the-peace efforts, or in response to officer safety concerns, during the federal operation. Any detention by a member of this Department should be based upon the reasonable belief that an individual is involved in criminal activity.

California Senate Bill 627, signed into law in September 2025, makes it a misdemeanor for law enforcement officers, including federal agents, to wear facial coverings while performing their duties, with limited exemptions. The law also requires agencies to maintain and publicly post facial covering policies by July 2026. Violations can carry civil penalties, particularly for false imprisonment or unlawful arrests committed while masked.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s office did not directly address the statement made by Fresno officials. However, Newsom’s Deputy Director of Communications, Diana Crofts-Pelayo, issued a statement to GV Wire: “The federal government has sued to stop the state from enforcing this law. We are defending the law in court which would go into effect on July 1.”

On November 17, 2025, the Trump Administration sued to block the law, citing a 1890 Supreme Court case ruling governing whether a state can prosecute federal law enforcement officers who are performing their duties. The High Court’s ruling on In re Neagle provided a strong shield for federal agents. However, it also opened the door for state prosecutors to charge federal officers who act outside what’s “necessary and proper” while performing their duties.

Sources

• Fresno Police Won’t Arrest Federal Agents Under CA Mask Law, City Says