Ban on police masks / facial coverings (Unmask ICE Act)
Montgomery County
Summary
Bill 5-26 would prohibit police officers from wearing masks or facial coverings, prompted by concerns about unidentified federal immigration officers. The committee amended it to add a sunset clause, ID requirements for officers, an online complaint portal, and clearer exceptions for cold-weather and workplace-safety masks.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 2
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 28, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct county spending; enforcement is handled through existing county attorney and oversight channels.
Residents who want to be able to identify officers, including during immigration enforcement operations, plus undercover officers who get an explicit exemption.
Officers and agencies that favor masking for safety reasons could face complaints and enforcement through the new portal.
Mentions & discussions (2)
Council Session - Apr 28, 2026
The county now bars all law enforcement — including federal immigration agents — from wearing masks while interacting with the public, and requires visible ID. Residents can report violations through an online portal. The law sunsets once Maryland adopts its own uniform statewide policy.
PS Committee Worksession - Apr 17, 2026
Bill 5-26 would prohibit police officers from wearing masks or facial coverings, prompted by concerns about unidentified federal immigration officers. The committee amended it to add a sunset clause, ID requirements for officers, an online complaint portal, and clearer exceptions for cold-weather and workplace-safety masks.
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