Governor Bob Ferguson signed a bill preventing individuals from posing as law enforcement with fake badges or other items with law enforcement insignia.
The Governor worked with Rep. Edwin Obras (D-Burien) and Sen. Adrian Cortes (D-Battle Ground) to propose the legislation, House Bill 2165. The bill bans individuals who are not law enforcement from wearing, displaying or possessing badges or other law enforcement insignias. House Bill 2165 passed the House in a bipartisan 66-29 vote and passed the Senate 30-18.
WHY IS THIS LAW NECESSARY?
CNN found that there were more ICE impersonation incidents in 2025 than in the past four presidential administrations combined. This bill increases safety and accountability by ensuring that only legitimate officers identify themselves as law enforcement.
“If you’re not a law enforcement officer, it needs to be illegal to wear something that gives the impression that you are. This common-sense change in state law will make Washingtonians safer and hold imposters accountable.” ~Governor Bob Ferguson
“It’s just common sense and good community safety policy,” Rep. Obras said. “If you talk to someone you believe is a law enforcement officer, you should be able to trust that they, in fact, are who they say they are. These unprecedented times, in which federal officials are arresting and detaining members of our communities, require us to ensure those creating additional chaos are held accountable. We should all be worried about vigilantism, assault, or property crimes that become easier if someone impersonates a police officer. We are taking steps to prevent these crimes to ensure all communities are safe from harm.”
“ICE agents are stoking fear across Washington state and the country, while making us less secure,” Sen. Cortes said. “The FBI has warned of criminals posing as ICE officers and carrying out robberies, kidnappings, and sexual assaults in several states. This is unacceptable and erodes the public’s trust in law enforcement. House Bill 2165 is a critical step in helping us restore that trust so we can keep our communities safe.”
HB 2165 will:
- Expand the definition of law enforcement to include all federal agents who enforce the laws of the United States and have the authority to detain people — including ICE.
- Create the crime of false identification of a peace officer, which means;
- Make a violation a gross misdemeanor, in line with existing law regulating criminal impersonation;
- Limit the possession of items with law enforcement insignias on them, with an exception for items used in works of art, commentary, satire, and parody; and
- Ensure legitimate law enforcement officers are clearly identifiable.
Please contact my office if you, a friend or family member are charged with a crime. Hiring an effective and competent defense attorney is the first and best step toward justice.
