Judge blocks California’s ban on federal agents wearing masks but requires badges be clearly seen
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal judge on Monday blocked a California law from taking effect that would ban federal immigration officers from covering their faces, but they would still be required to wear clear identification that identifies their agency and badge number.
California became the first state to ban most law enforcement officers from wearing face masks under a bill signed into law in September, following high-profile raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Los Angeles over the summer.
Trump administration filed a lawsuit He challenged the laws in November, arguing they would threaten the safety of officers subject to harassment, doxxing and violence and violate the constitution because the state directly regulates the federal government.
Judge Christina Snyder said she issued the initial ruling because the mask mandate, as enacted, does not apply to state law enforcement and discriminates against the federal government. The decision could have national ramifications as states grapple with how to deal with federal agents enforcing the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.
“The Court found that federal officers can perform their federal duties without wearing masks,” Snyder wrote, leaving open the possibility that future laws banning federal agents from wearing masks would apply to all law enforcement. The decision will come into force on February 19.
Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill in September banning some law enforcement officers from traveling. wearing masks, neck gaiters, and other face coverings. It was scheduled to go into effect on January 1, but was postponed due to the lawsuit.
In addition to exempting law enforcement, the state made exceptions for undercover agents, protective equipment such as N95 respirators or tactical gear, and other situations where failure to wear a mask would jeopardize the operation. Snyder sided with the federal government, arguing that this exemption was discriminatory against federal agents.
Newsom also signed into law a measure requiring law enforcement officers to wear clear identification while on the job that shows their agency and badge number; This was challenged by the federal government but upheld by the judge.
California State Senator Scott Weiner, who proposed the original bill banning face coverings, said Monday he would immediately introduce new legislation that would include state police in the law.
“ICE and Border Patrol are covering their faces to maximize their terror campaigns and protect themselves from accountability,” Weiner said in a press release. “We will ensure that our mask ban is implemented.”
At the Jan. 14 hearing, Snyder repeatedly asked the government’s attorney, Tiberius Davis, to explain why banning masks would hinder federal law enforcement from carrying out their duties if police officers rarely wear masks before 2025.
Davis touched on the US Department of Homeland Security’s claims that there has been a massive increase in attacks and threats against federal officers. He also brought up an incident in Los Angeles in which three women were accused of livestreaming. tracking an ICE agent Posting the home and address on Instagram.
“There’s a real deterrent to the officer’s safety and ability to perform their duties,” Davis said.
Cameron Bell, an attorney for the California Department of Justice, disputed their claims, saying there was no concrete evidence that federal agents could not perform their duties. face coverings.
Bell cited statements from U.S. citizens who were detained by federal agents but thought they had been kidnapped.
“It’s clear why these laws are in the public interest,” Bell said.
The federal government also argued in legal briefs that allowing California’s legislation could lead to other states being “emboldened to impose similar unconstitutional restrictions.”
Davis quoted a statement from Newsom in July 2025 during an interview He shared a post online discussing the mask mandate bill, saying: “We don’t have legal authority for federal agents, but we do have legal authority for other law enforcement.”
Los Angeles County leaders voted in December to enact a local ordinance banning law enforcement from wearing masks that would go into effect Jan. 8. But the sheriff’s department said it would not enforce the ordinance until the court rules on a statewide mask mandate. The Los Angeles Police Department also said it would not enforce the mask ban.
