The Justice Department has successfully blocked California Governor Gavin Newsom from enforcing a mandate that would require ICE agents to remove their masks while on duty.
On Thursday, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a permanent order against the governor’s initiative.
Bondi mentioned on social media, “The Ninth Circuit has now put a full stop to California’s ban on federal law enforcement officers wearing masks.”
She emphasized the dangers faced by law enforcement, remarking, “These officers put their lives on the line only to be targeted by radical anti-police groups. That’s simply not acceptable.”
Furthermore, she asserted, “This ruling is crucial for protecting the courageous individuals serving on the front lines. We will continue to challenge these detrimental laws both in California and nationwide.”
The federal prosecutor in Los Angeles also welcomed the decision, voicing concerns regarding the state’s attempts to limit federal investigators’ actions.
Bill Esseri, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District, stated, “California must recognize the supremacy clause,” and insisted that “the Department of Justice does not hold the power to regulate federal personnel,” labeling this a significant win for the Department.
Not long ago, a federal judge had already obstructed a law that would forbid federal employees from wearing masks while performing their duties in California.
U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder ruled that there should be an obligation for all federal and state officers to display badges or some form of identification on their uniforms.
During the proceedings, Newsom initially tried to present the situation favorably but was called out by Esseri. “That’s an interesting way to spin a defeat. A federal judge blocked your anti-masking law, citing its violation of the Supremacy Clause,” he remarked.
Esseri further pointed out, “These regulations on federal employees are unconstitutional and unenforceable. Federal workers executing their official duties are protected from state prosecution. Stop deceiving the public.”
Judge Snyder, who was appointed by Clinton, determined that the mask prohibition “differentiates federal law enforcement from state law enforcement officers in similar situations.”
The Trump administration has regarded this ruling as a significant court victory.
In September 2025, Newsom signed Senate Bill 627, also known as the Secret Police Prohibition Act, which bans local and federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks or face coverings while on duty. This law took effect on January 1st.
The Trump administration criticized the bill, claiming it would disrupt the operations of the federal government.
