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US Judge Rejects California Law that Banned Masks for Federal Officers
The ruling blocks California's mask ban for federal immigration agents but keeps a badge display rule, citing a surge in threats against officers, according to Department of Homeland Security data.
- On Monday, U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder in Los Angeles preliminarily struck down California's law banning federal officers from wearing masks, blocking it from taking effect on February 19, 2026.
- The U.S. Department of Justice argued the law singled out federal officers, with the judge finding the statute discriminated by exempting state police and undercover officers.
- A separate identification rule survived the challenge, requiring federal immigration agents, including ICE, to display agency and badge numbers, while Justice Department attorney Tiberius Davis cited DHS data on rising threats and doxxing incidents.
- The ruling preserves protections the administration said were necessary and may influence other state governments considering similar measures, as Snyder's decision affirms federal agency protections.
- Amid the enforcement debate, the MELT Act, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, is challenged as the DOJ argues it exceeds state authority, while the judge considers federal officer protections.
44 Articles
44 Articles
California attorney general, Homeland Security debate mask ban
(The Center Square) - If ultimately upheld in court, California’s ban on masks for federal immigration officers will be enforced by all law enforcement agencies despite doubts by the Los Angeles police chief, state Attorney General Rob Bonta told The…
Judge blocks California’s ban on federal agents wearing face masks; badges still required
A federal judge has blocked a California law that would ban federal immigration agents from masking their faces but will require them to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number, the Associated Press reports.
A federal judge has barred the state of California from enforcing a new law prohibiting federal immigration agents from wearing masks during deportation operations. The case revolved around the so-called "No Secret Police Act," which was intended to severely restrict the use of face coverings by federal agents during immigration enforcement. According to the federal court, the law likely violates the U.S. Constitution because it treats federal o…
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