Federal Judge Halts California's Mask Ban for Immigration Agents
A federal judge has intervened, blocking a California law that aimed to prevent federal immigration agents from hiding their identities with masks while performing their duties. Despite this ruling, agents are still required to display clear identification, including their agency and badge number.
California's legislation, the first of its kind in the nation, was enacted in September after a summer filled with notable Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Los Angeles. The law was designed to enhance transparency and accountability among law enforcement.
In response, the Trump administration filed a lawsuit in November, arguing that the law endangered officer safety by exposing them to potential harassment and violence, while also infringing upon federal authority.
Judge Christina Snyder's preliminary ruling highlighted that the mask ban unfairly targeted federal agents, as it did not apply to state law enforcement. This decision could set a precedent for how other states approach the regulation of federal agents involved in immigration enforcement.
While the ruling allows for future legislation that could include federal agents under a mask ban, Snyder noted that "the Court finds that federal officers can perform their federal functions without wearing masks.” This ruling is set to take effect on February 19.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the original bill in September, which prohibited certain law enforcement personnel from wearing masks, neck gaiters, or other facial coverings. Although it was scheduled to be implemented on January 1, the lawsuit has delayed its enforcement.
The law included exemptions for undercover operations and protective gear like N95 respirators, but Snyder sided with the federal government’s argument that these exceptions discriminated against federal agents.
In addition to the mask ban, Newsom also approved a measure mandating law enforcement to wear clear identification while on duty. This requirement faced challenges from the federal government but was upheld by the judge.
California State Senator Scott Weiner, who initially proposed the mask ban, announced plans to introduce new legislation that would extend the ban to state police as well. “ICE and Border Patrol are covering their faces to maximize their terror campaign and to insulate themselves from accountability,” Weiner stated in a news release. “We will ensure our mask ban can be enforced.”
During a hearing on January 14, Snyder pressed the government’s attorney, Tiberius Davis, to clarify how banning masks would hinder federal law enforcement operations, especially since officers rarely wore masks prior to 2025.
Davis referenced claims from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regarding a significant rise in assaults against federal officers and cited an incident where three women allegedly followed an ICE agent home and shared the address online.
“There is real deterrence on the officer’s safety and ability to perform their duties,” Davis argued.
However, Cameron Bell, an attorney for the California Department of Justice, countered that there was no substantial evidence indicating that federal agents could not fulfill their responsibilities without facial coverings. He pointed out testimonies from U.S. citizens who felt they were being kidnapped during detentions by federal agents.
“It’s obvious why these laws are in the public interest,” Bell asserted.
The federal government also contended that allowing California’s legislation could encourage other states to impose similar unconstitutional restrictions. Davis referenced a statement from Newsom made in July 2025 regarding the mask ban bill, indicating uncertainty about its legality concerning federal agents.
In December, Los Angeles County supervisors voted to implement a local ordinance banning law enforcement from wearing masks, effective January 8. However, the sheriff’s department announced it would refrain from enforcing this ordinance until after the court's decision on the statewide mask ban. The Los Angeles Police Department also indicated it would not enforce the mask prohibition.
