In Portland, Oregon, as the legislature gathered for a special session on Sunday, two legislators revealed plans for next year’s brief session by proposing a bill to eliminate “secret police” in the state.
Representatives Tom Anderson, a Democrat, and Cyrus Javadi, a Republican, who are co-sponsoring the bill, announced that the legislation would allow Oregon voters to amend the state constitution. The amendment aims to prevent law enforcement officers from masking their identities or remaining unidentifiable while on duty.
The proposal also mandates that officers wear official uniforms displaying their names and badge numbers, while allowing exceptions for specific circumstances such as SWAT teams or covert operations.
Anderson cited that the inspiration for introducing this bill stemmed from the heightened presence of covert Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Oregon due to policies from the Trump administration, labeling them as “malignant forces.”
“This is no longer just some Donald Trump fever dream. It’s happening right now unidentified
federal ICE officers are using violence and the threat of violence in our communities to replace
“I am disturbed and infuriated when I witness masked, anonymous ICE operatives on our streets executing violent arrests without warrants. We are devolving into a nation of clandestine bounty hunters. Simply stated, secret police are incompatible with a free and democratic society as they erode public trust in government when law enforcement’s identity is concealed,” he said.
Javadi echoed this sentiment, noting “Oregonians shouldn’t have to wonder who’s knocking on their door in the middle of the night.”
He further stated, “In a free society, law enforcement must not be faceless or unaccountable. This amendment transcends political lines; it is pivotal for preserving the integrity of the rule of law. While the Oregon Constitution already shields citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures, this proposal ensures that enforcement by law is visible, identifiable, and accountable to the community they serve.”
For the bill to pass, it would require a majority vote in both the House and Senate during the 2026 short legislative session beginning in January.
If passed, it will then be placed on the ballot for a public vote in the November 2026 general election.
If approved by Oregon voters, the amendment will be added to the state constitution.
