The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against California to block a new state law that bans most law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks during operations. The federal government argues the ban threatens officer safety, while California officials say it ensures transparency and public trust.
In September, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation that prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings like neck gaiters and ski masks while conducting official business. The law, which is set to take effect in January 2026, includes exceptions for undercover work, medical masks, and tactical gear, but notably exempts state police. This move came in response to immigration raids where federal agents used masks, raising concerns about accountability and public safety.
On Monday, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, challenging the constitutionality of the state’s mask ban. The federal government contends that the law discriminates against federal agents and violates the Supremacy Clause, which prevents states from regulating federal operations. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the policies are designed to create risk for agents who face unprecedented harassment and threats.
The lawsuit highlights incidents where Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have been followed, doxed, and their families threatened. It cites a case in Los Angeles where individuals allegedly livestreamed an agent’s home address. Federal officials argue that masks provide an essential layer of security, allowing agents to protect their identities in the face of growing hostility and violence during enforcement actions.
Governor Newsom and other state leaders have defended the ban as a necessary measure to prevent what they describe as dystopian tactics. They argue that masked arrests without clear identification erode public trust and make it difficult for citizens to distinguish between legitimate law enforcement and criminal impersonators. A spokesperson for Newsom’s office criticized the Trump administration for prioritizing controversial practices over community safety.
The issue gained prominence after a series of immigration raids in California and other states, where agents in unmarked vehicles and masks detained individuals, sparking protests and legal challenges. The FBI has warned that the use of masks by ICE agents has led to copycat crimes, where criminals pose as officers to commit robberies and kidnappings, further complicating law enforcement efforts.
The federal lawsuit asserts that California’s law unconstitutionally interferes with federal operations and singles out federal agents while exempting state police. Legal experts note that this could set a precedent for state-federal conflicts over immigration enforcement. California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office is reviewing the complaint and has emphasized the importance of transparency in policing.
The outcome of this lawsuit could have broad implications for how federal and state laws interact, particularly in areas like immigration. If the court sides with the federal government, it may embolden similar challenges in other states. Conversely, a ruling for California could encourage other states to adopt similar measures. The case is likely to proceed through the courts, with potential appeals, shaping the landscape of law enforcement practices nationwide.
