Letters: Ban on most officers' use of masks is right move for state

"What about the Latino communities the Supreme Court just gave ICE permission to racially profile in Vasquez Perdomo v. Noem, stopped for speaking Spanish, standing on a corner, or simply looking foreign? That isn't public safety. That's state-sponsored racism. Let's call it what it is: ICE hides behind masks because they know their actions can't withstand accountability. Police don't get masks. Judges don't get masks. Soldiers don't get masks."

"Despite their critical roles, these employees lack basic benefits such as health care, retirement and job security. Living in one of California's most expensive areas, many struggle financially while the county expands free public programs sometimes used irresponsibly. This reflects a troubling priority: favoring public-facing services over fair treatment of workers. By treating dedicated staff as temporary, the county creates a two-tier workforce that contradicts its own values of equity and inclusion."

Federal immigration agents have sought masks to protect family members, while immigrant families and Latino communities experience aggressive enforcement and racial profiling sanctioned in Vasquez Perdomo v. Noem. Masked agents conceal identities, preventing accountability while police, judges and soldiers operate unmasked. California's ban on officers' masks asserts that officials who can destroy lives must be publicly identifiable. San Mateo County depends on long-serving extra-help workers, especially in libraries, but these workers lack health care, retirement and job security. Many struggle financially in an expensive region while public programs expand. Treating staff as temporary creates a two-tier workforce and undermines equity. These workers deserve fair compensation, benefits and permanent positions.

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