Governor Ferguson signs bills prohibiting individuals from using false law enforcement identification, banning law enforcement from hiding identity with masks

SEATTLE - Governor Bob Ferguson today signed two bills into law to improve public safety: One preventing individuals from posing as law enforcement with fake badges or other items with law enforcement insignia, and another prohibiting law enforcement from hiding their identity with masks.

The bill signing ceremony took place today at El Centro de la Raza. Video of the signing is available here; photos are available here.

Prohibiting law enforcement impersonators

Governor Ferguson worked with Rep. Edwin Obras (D-Burien) and Sen. Adrian Cortes (D-Battle Ground) to propose governor-request legislation to prohibit imposters from using false law enforcement identification. The bill bans individuals who are not law enforcement from wearing, displaying or possessing badges or other law enforcement insignias.

House Bill 2165 passed the House in a bipartisan 66-29 vote and passed the Senate 30-18.

CNN found that there were more ICE impersonation incidents in 2025 than in the past four presidential administrations combined.

This bill increases safety and accountability by ensuring that only legitimate officers identify themselves as law enforcement.

"If you're not a law enforcement officer, it needs to be illegal to wear something that gives the impression that you are," Governor Ferguson said. "This common-sense change in state law will make Washingtonians safer and hold imposters accountable."

"It's just common sense and good community safety policy," Rep. Obras said. "If you talk to someone you believe is a law enforcement officer, you should be able to trust that they, in fact, are who they say they are. These unprecedented times, in which federal officials are arresting and detaining members of our communities, require us to ensure those creating additional chaos are held accountable. We should all be worried about vigilantism, assault, or property crimes that become easier if someone impersonates a police officer. We are taking steps to prevent these crimes to ensure all communities are safe from harm."

"ICE agents are stoking fear across Washington state and the country, while making us less secure," Sen. Cortes said. "The FBI has warned of criminals posing as ICE officers and carrying out robberies, kidnappings, and sexual assaults in several states. This is unacceptable and erodes the public's trust in law enforcement. House Bill 2165 is a critical step in helping us restore that trust so we can keep our communities safe."

HB 2165 will:

• Expand the definition of law enforcement to include all federal agents who enforce the laws of the United States and have the authority to detain people - including ICE.
• Create the crime of false identification of a peace officer, which means;
• Make a violation a gross misdemeanor, in line with existing law regulating criminal impersonation;
• Limit the possession of items with law enforcement insignias on them, with an exception for items used in works of art, commentary, satire, and parody; and
• Ensure legitimate law enforcement officers are clearly identifiable.

Banning law enforcement masks

Senate Bill 5855, sponsored by Sen. Javier Valdez (D-Seattle), prohibits law enforcement, including federal immigration agents, from wearing masks while conducting official business in Washington state. Rep. Julio Cortes (D-Everett) sponsored the companion legislation.

The bill passed the Senate 30-19, and passed the House 56-37.

"Law enforcement's job is to protect us - yet, ICE is hiding from public accountability," Governor Ferguson said. "For the safety of both the public and law enforcement, Washingtonians must know they are interacting with legitimate law enforcement officers."

"Masked enforcement has sown fear, terror, and distrust in our communities," said Sen. Valdez. "This new law ensures that anyone exercising power over another person is fully accountable and visible, and that families across Washington can feel safe knowing who is in a position of authority. Transparency is not optional, and justice should never hide behind a mask."

"Our communities deserve transparency, accountability, and dignity," said Rep. Cortes, who sponsored the companion legislation in the House. "This measure ensures that when law enforcement interacts with the public, people can clearly identify who is exercising that authority. This is a commonsense step toward building trust and protecting the rights of everyone in Washington."

SB 5855 bans opaque face coverings such as balaclavas, tactical masks, gaiters and ski masks. It includes exemptions for required personal protective equipment and head and facial coverings worn for religious purposes.

The bill gives anyone detained by an unlawfully masked officer the right to take legal action, allowing them to seek compensation, attorney fees and other remedies deemed appropriate by the court.

The bill differs from a similar law in California in an important respect: SB 5855 bars all law enforcement officers from wearing masks, not only federal agents.