by Kirk Kirkland
In Minneapolis, the chief of police took a strong position regarding the federal administration’s handling of apprehensions of immigrants. He stated, “If ICE agents use unlawful force in this city, my officers must intervene.” To translate that into plain, street-fighting English: “The city of Minneapolis does NOT belong to federal bullies.”
In the next session of the Washington State Legislature, our county’s legislative delegation will consider a new law in Washington. The “No Secret Police Act” will require law enforcement officers to have clear identification and prohibit the wearing of masks while on duty.
- The “No Secret Police Act” will require for all persons the right to a fair hearing, the right to counsel, the right of appeal, and the right to humane treatment. The Act calls for limiting federal officers from using excessive force, abuse of authority, and assault.
- The “No Secret Police Act” requires that local police intervene on behalf of the person being apprehended if federal officers are using unlawful force and/or are masked with no clear identification The “No Secret Police Act” bill aims to prohibit law enforcement officers from operating in public without clear identification. It arrives in Olympia following a legislative journey that began in the Midwest.
Minnesota Origins
The “No Secret Police Act” was drafted in direct response to the events of 2020 in Minnesota. During the civil unrest following the death of George Floyd, numerous reports surfaced of law enforcement officers—both local and federal—patrolling streets, making arrests, and using force while wearing tactical gear that lacked any identifying names, badge numbers, or agency patches.
Minnesota activists and legal experts argued that “anonymous arrests and harassment” create a vacuum of accountability that makes it impossible for citizens to file complaints or for the legal system to track misconduct. The Minnesota version of the act was designed to ensure that any officer interacting with the public must be “clearly and prominently” identified.
Act Introduced in State Legislature for 2026 Session
In Washington state, a new bill seeks to codify similar requirements. The core of the proposed act mandates that:
- Every uniformed officer must wear a visible name tag or unique identifier.
- Agency patches or logos must be clearly visible on tactical gear.
- Failure to comply would constitute a violation of state professional standards, potentially leading to decertification.
Key Sponsors and Supporters
The League of Women Voters of Washington is the primary non-profit championing the bill, along with a coalition of lawmakers who are focused on criminal justice reform. The primary legislative sponsors are Representative My-Linh Thai (D-Bellevue) and Senator Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma).
Senator Trudeau, who represents part of Pierce County, has been a consistent advocate for “sunlight” in policing practices. Beyond the League of Women Voters, the act is supported by the ACLU of Washington and the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability (WCPA). These groups argue that the bill is a common-sense measure to restore public trust.
Legal Stance of Attorney General and Governor
Governor Bob Ferguson, the former state Attorney General, has been vocal about protecting Washingtonians from “authoritarian tactics.” During his campaign and recent press briefings regarding federal immigration overreach, Ferguson stated, “Washington state will not be bullied…we are not going to have local law enforcement assisting masked agents jumping out of unmarked cars and pulling people off the streets. That is not going to happen in Washington state.” His administration is expected to view the “No Secret Police Act” as a vital safeguard for state sovereignty and community trust.
- Governor’s Office Email: governor@gov.wa.gov
- Mailing Address: Office of the Governor, PO Box 40002, Olympia, WA 98504
The Attorney General’s Office: Nick Brown
Attorney General Nick Brown, a former U.S. Attorney for Western Washington, succeeds Ferguson as the state’s top legal officer. Brown has consistently prioritized transparency in the legal system.
In his recent defense of state “sanctuary” laws, he emphasized that local law enforcement should focus on local crime rather than anonymous federal enforcement. Legal analysts expect Brown’s office to provide the formal framework for the act’s implementation, ensuring that identification standards are uniform across all jurisdictions.
- Attorney General’s Office Email: brown@atg.wa.gov
- Mailing Address: 1125 Washington St SE, PO Box 40100, Olympia, WA 98504
Legislative Support: Senator Yasmin Trudeau
Senator Yasmin Trudeau (D-Tacoma) is a key legislative ally for police accountability and transparency. Her office remains a primary point of contact for the “No Secret Police Act” and related civil rights legislation in the Senate
Senator Trudeau’s Email: yasmin.trudeau@leg.wa.gov
The Road Ahead
As Washington joins the national movement toward identifiable policing, the “No Secret Police Act” seeks to make unwelcome federal agents accountable for violations of civil rights. This legislation is part of a movement for state attorneys general and the legislature to enforce the Rule of Law.