Trump threatens arrest for masked protesters amid immigration crackdown

Many of the protesters who flooded the streets of Los Angeles to oppose President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown wore masks or other face coverings, drawing scorn from him. “MASKS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED to be worn at protests,” Trump posted on his social media platform, adding that mask‑wearing protesters should be arrested.

All of which begs the question: Can something that covers your mouth protect free speech? Protesters say the answer is an emphatic yes. Several



legal experts say it’s only a matter of time before the issue returns to the courts.

‘What do these people have to hide, and why?’ Trump’s post calling for a ban on masks came after immigration raids sparked protests, which included some reports of vandalism and violence toward police. “What do these people have to hide, and why?” he asked on Truth Social on June 8. The next day, Trump raged against the anti‑ICE protests, calling for the arrest of people in face masks.