Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell unveiled proposed legislation Monday that would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while conducting enforcement activities within city limits, marking what officials say would be a unprecedented policy among major American cities.
The proposed ordinance mandates that all law enforcement personnel operating in Seattle display visible identification, including agency emblems and badges, during the performance of their duties. City officials indicate the measure aims to enhance transparency and accountability in federal law enforcement operations, particularly those related to immigration enforcement.
If adopted by the Seattle City Council, the legislation would establish Seattle as the first municipality in Washington state, and among the first major metropolitan areas nationally, to implement such restrictions on law enforcement face coverings.
Speaking at the announcement, Harrell characterized the proposal as a response to what he described as federal enforcement tactics that undermine public accountability. The mayor referenced recent federal immigration operations involving masked agents, arguing such practices create confusion and fear within communities while potentially enabling impersonation by unauthorized individuals.
Under the terms of the proposed ordinance, face coverings encompass masks, balaclavas, tactical face shields, neck gaiters, ski masks, and similar items that obscure facial features and hinder identification. The legislation includes specific exemptions for medical masks worn to prevent disease transmission and respiratory protection equipment used in hazardous environments.
Enforcement authority would rest with Seattle’s Office for Civil Rights, which could impose civil penalties of up to $5,000 for willful violations by law enforcement officers or agencies. Derrick Wheeler-Smith, director of the Office for Civil Rights, emphasized that the measure aims to establish uniform standards for all law enforcement personnel operating within the city.
The legislative proposal represents the latest in a series of municipal actions addressing federal enforcement operations in Seattle. Earlier this month, Harrell signed executive orders addressing potential federal troop deployment and reaffirming that city resources will not be utilized for civil immigration enforcement activities.
The Seattle Police Department is currently developing operational protocols for responding to emergency calls involving masked or unidentified individuals conducting detentions. Police Chief Shon Barnes indicated that Seattle officers will maintain consistent appearance standards, including uncovered faces and visible identification, when responding to public safety calls.
National arrests of civilians impersonating federal immigration officials have elevated concerns about public safety risks associated with masked enforcement operations, according to city officials.
The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project expressed support for the legislation. Executive Director Malou Chavez described the measure as promoting trust and safety for immigrant communities.
City officials are also drafting separate legislation to prohibit federal immigration enforcement agencies from utilizing city-owned properties for staging operations, a practice that has occurred in other municipalities including Chicago.
The proposed ordinance emerges amid broader municipal efforts to address federal policies implemented during the current administration. Recent Seattle actions include litigation challenging federal directives on diversity programs and funding restrictions, as well as legal challenges to policies affecting sanctuary jurisdictions.
Mayor Harrell’s proposed 2026 budget allocates $27.6 million to maintain services potentially affected by federal funding reductions, including housing assistance and food security programs. The budget proposal also increases funding for immigrant and refugee services by 70 percent, supporting legal assistance, rights education, and workforce development initiatives.
The proposed face covering ordinance now advances to the Seattle City Council for consideration.
