Jackson County, January 13, 2026
Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca has introduced the Renee Nicole Macklin Good Transparency and Accountability Ordinance, which seeks to ban law enforcement officers from wearing masks while on duty. This measure aims to enhance transparency and accountability by allowing citizens to identify officers during interactions. Although there are exemptions for certain operations, the ordinance faces opposition from local law enforcement regarding its feasibility. Public comments will be invited at the next legislative meeting.
Kansas City, Missouri
Proposed Ordinance Seeks to Ban Masks for Law Enforcement in Jackson County
Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca has introduced a new ordinance, designated Ordinance 6050, that seeks to prohibit most law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks or otherwise concealing their identities and badges while on duty. The proposal, named the Renee Nicole Macklin Good Transparency and Accountability Ordinance, was reintroduced on Monday, January 12, 2026, and is designed to rebuild public trust in law enforcement by ensuring greater transparency and accountability.
Details of the Proposed Ban
Ordinance 6050 specifically targets the concealment of faces and badges by law enforcement officers, including those from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, during the performance of their official duties within Jackson County. This measure aims to ensure that citizens can clearly identify officers interacting with the public.
The proposed ordinance does include several exemptions. Officers serving on SWAT teams, engaged in undercover assignments, or wearing protective clothing would be exempt from the ban. Other specific operational circumstances could also allow for exemptions on a case-by-case basis. Should the ordinance pass, law enforcement agencies operating within Jackson County would be required to submit annual reports detailing any instances where officers were granted exemptions to conceal their faces or badges. Violations of the ordinance could lead to various repercussions, including internal disciplinary action, potential civil lawsuits, and even criminal misdemeanor penalties.
Controversy and Legal Challenges
The proposed mask ban has faced opposition, notably from Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte, who characterized the ordinance as “government overreach.” Sheriff Forte maintains that discretion in the performance of duties, including the use of face coverings based on reasonableness exemptions, should not be superseded by local elected officials.
Furthermore, the county’s attorney has expressed reservations regarding the enforceability of Ordinance 6050, particularly concerning federal agencies. The Jackson County Legislature’s jurisdiction primarily extends to policies related to the county sheriff’s office and does not explicitly grant authority over federal immigration agencies or police departments of area cities. The county counselor’s office representative, Whitney Miller, stated that the county does not believe it possesses the legal authority to mandate what federal law enforcement can or cannot do.
Catalyst for the Ordinance: The Renee Nicole Macklin Good Transparency and Accountability Ordinance
The ordinance is explicitly named after Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a former Kansas City resident. Her tragic death in Minneapolis, involving a fatal shooting by a federal immigration agent, has served as a significant impetus for Legislator Abarca’s renewed push for this legislation. Legislator Abarca previously stated that the ordinance was developed in direct response to behavior observed from Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and other federal immigration agents across the county in recent months, who have often been filmed arresting and detaining individuals while wearing masks that obscure their faces. This broader context underscores the legislator’s intent to hold all law enforcement, including federal entities, accountable by ensuring identifiable presence in community interactions.
Legislative Process and Public Engagement
Ordinance 6050 was previously discussed during an anti-crime committee meeting on December 15, 2025. The Jackson County Legislature is set to revisit the ordinance at a meeting scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026, at 3 p.m. in the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse of Independence. This meeting will include an opportunity for public comment, allowing community members to voice their perspectives on the proposed ban.
A Wider Trend: Similar Legislation Nationwide
The movement to restrict facial coverings for law enforcement is not exclusive to Jackson County. Nationwide, there have been discussions and legislative efforts on similar measures. For instance, California previously enacted the “No Secret Police Act” (SB 627), which prohibits local, federal, and out-of-state law enforcement officers from concealing their identity with facial coverings while performing their duties. This California law includes exemptions for specific scenarios like SWAT teams, approved undercover assignments, and protective equipment, mirroring some of the provisions proposed in Jackson County. Such precedents highlight a growing national conversation around law enforcement transparency and accountability in public interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the purpose of Ordinance 6050?
- Ordinance 6050 aims to prohibit most law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks or otherwise concealing their identities and badges while on duty to rebuild public trust and ensure greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
- Who proposed this ordinance?
- Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca proposed Ordinance 6050.
- Who does the proposed mask ban apply to?
- The proposed mask ban applies to law enforcement officers, including federal immigration officers (ICE), during the performance of their official duties within Jackson County.
- Are there any exemptions to the mask ban?
- Yes, exemptions include officers serving on SWAT teams, engaged in undercover assignments, or wearing protective clothing. Other specific operational circumstances could also allow for exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
- What are the potential penalties for violating the ordinance?
- Violations could lead to internal disciplinary action, potential civil lawsuits, and criminal misdemeanor penalties.
- Why was the ordinance named the Renee Nicole Macklin Good Transparency and Accountability Ordinance?
- The ordinance was named in honor of Renee Nicole Macklin Good, a former Kansas City resident, whose tragic death in Minneapolis involved a fatal shooting by a federal immigration agent.
- What is the Jackson County Sheriff’s stance on the ordinance?
- Jackson County Sheriff Daryl Forte opposes the ordinance, characterizing it as “government overreach.”
- Are there legal concerns regarding the ordinance’s enforceability?
- Yes, the county’s attorney has raised concerns about the ordinance’s enforceability, particularly regarding federal agencies, as the Jackson County Legislature’s jurisdiction primarily covers the county sheriff’s office and not federal entities.
- When will the ordinance be discussed again?
- The Jackson County Legislature is set to revisit the ordinance at a meeting scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026, at 3 p.m. in the Eastern Jackson County Courthouse of Independence.
- Are similar laws in place elsewhere?
- Yes, California has enacted the “No Secret Police Act” (SB 627), which prohibits local, federal, and out-of-state law enforcement officers from concealing their identity with facial coverings while performing their duties, with similar exemptions.
Key Features of Jackson County Ordinance 6050
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Goal | To prohibit most law enforcement officers from wearing masks or concealing identities and badges while on duty. | Jackson County |
| Sponsor | Jackson County Legislator Manny Abarca. | Jackson County |
| Named After | Renee Nicole Macklin Good. | Jackson County, Nationwide context |
| Applicable To | Local and federal law enforcement officers, including ICE agents. | Jackson County |
| Exemptions | SWAT teams, undercover assignments, protective clothing, other case-by-case operations. | Jackson County |
| Potential Penalties for Violation | Internal disciplinary action, civil lawsuits, criminal misdemeanors. | Jackson County |
| Reporting Requirement | Annual reports on exemptions used for face/badge concealment. | Jackson County |
| Sheriff’s Stance | Opposed, citing “government overreach.” | Jackson County |
| Legal Enforceability Concerns | County attorney questions jurisdiction over federal agencies. | Jackson County |
| Similar Legislation | California’s “No Secret Police Act” (SB 627) as a precedent. | Nationwide |
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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER
The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.
