LOS ANGELES, California — A federal judge has blocked a California law that would have prohibited federal immigration agents from wearing face coverings while on duty, ruling that the measure unfairly targeted federal authorities while exempting state and local law enforcement.
U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder issued the decision Monday, siding with the Trump administration’s argument that the law violated the Constitution by regulating federal operations. The ruling prevents enforcement of the mask ban but allows a related requirement mandating that officers clearly display agency identification and badge numbers.
The law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September, was passed after high-profile Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Los Angeles sparked public protests and criticism. California became the first state to enact a broad ban on facial coverings for most law enforcement officers, citing accountability and public trust concerns.
Snyder found the law discriminatory because it applied only to federal agents, leaving state and local officers exempt. However, she noted that future legislation could withstand legal scrutiny if applied equally across all law enforcement agencies, writing that federal officers can carry out their duties without wearing masks.
The judge upheld a separate identification requirement, rejecting federal claims that visible badges and agency names would endanger officers. Newsom called that portion of the ruling a “clear win for the rule of law.”
State Sen. Scott Wiener, who authored the original bill, said he plans to introduce revised legislation expanding the mask ban to include state law enforcement. The ruling is set to take effect Feb. 19.
Sources
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