June 24, 2025 - SACRAMENTO –Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) has announced the No Vigilantes Act 
(SB 805) that will expand police impersonation laws to address the rise in public fear and confusion caused by recent aggressive law enforcement operations and an increase in claims of police impersonation.
“In a normal world, this legislation would be unnecessary and unheard of. But these are extraordinary times and we must protect Californians from fear of police impersonation during these unprecedented times,” said Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena). “With the rise in impersonation claims and the ensuing fear and confusion being created, there is a clear need for stronger, more consistent standards for law enforcement identification. This legislation is not just raising the issue; it aims to directly address it by reaffirming the state’s role under its policing powers.”
News outlets have reported incidents across the nation of individuals impersonating ICE officers. These reports include a South Carolina man being charged with kidnapping and impersonating an ICE agent after allegedly detaining a group of Latino men. Another report documents a man charged with sexual assault in North Carolina posing an ICE agent and threatening to deport a woman if she didn’t comply with his demands. These cases undermine public trust in law enforcement, especially among vulnerable individuals, and pose a threat to public safety.
While ICE has publicly condemned impersonations, the agency’s use of face coverings and lack of consistent, visible identification creates public confusion and makes it difficult for the public to distinguish between authorized law enforcement personnel and dangerous criminals.
SB 805, the No Vigilantes Act, in addition to expanding the scope of existing impersonation laws, will require law enforcement operating in California to clearly display identification featuring either their name or badge number.
The No Vigilantes Act would also authorize law enforcement to request identification from someone claiming to be law enforcement if there is reasonable suspicion of criminal activity, such as impersonating a peace officer, or a valid safety concern. It also prohibits bounty hunters from engaging in any form of immigration enforcement.
“We have seen law enforcement operations being conducted in the name of immigration enforcement. But their appearance, tactics and behavior do not look like normal law enforcement practices,” said Senator Pérez. “We’ve seen guns pulled on civilians, and people snatched off the streets and in workplaces by masked people in civilian clothing and unmarked cars. This creates tremendous confusion, fear, and mistrust in communities across the state. We need to protect our residents and that means knowing who is actually conducting law enforcement operations on our streets.”
Senator Sasha Renée Pérez is Chair of the Senate Education Committee and represents the 25th Senate District that includes the communities of Glendale, Pasadena, Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Claremont, Glendora, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta-Montrose, Monrovia, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Temple City, Fontana, Rancho Cucamonga, Upland, and San Antonio Heights.
Source: Senator Sasha Renée Pérez
