A federal judge in California has temporarily blocked the state’s ban on masks for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, ruling that the law unlawfully discriminates against federal authorities. However, the judge upheld a separate requirement for law enforcement officers to display clear identification, marking a partial victory for transparency advocates.
U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder issued a preliminary injunction on Monday, February 9, 2026, in Los Angeles, preventing California from enforcing its mask prohibition specifically against federal agents. The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration last November, which argued that the ban threatened officer safety and violated constitutional principles by regulating federal operations.
The contested law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2025, was enacted following high-profile immigration raids in Los Angeles where masked agents conducted arrests. It aimed to bar most law enforcement officers, including ICE personnel, from wearing facial coverings like ski masks or neck gaiters during official duties, with exceptions for undercover work or medical reasons.
Judge Snyder found that the mask ban discriminated against the federal government because it did not equally apply to state and local law enforcement officers. She stated that such differential treatment was unconstitutional, but she allowed a companion law to stand, which mandates that officers visibly show their agency and either their name or badge number.
In her ruling, Snyder emphasized that federal officers could perform their duties without masks, but she acknowledged the need for accountability through identification. The Trump administration had sought to block both provisions, claiming they would deter law enforcement recruitment and operations, but the judge’s split decision provided a nuanced outcome.
Reactions to the ruling were divided along political lines. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi hailed it as a “key court victory” for federal agents, while California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the administration’s tactics but praised the identification requirement as a win for transparency. State Senator Scott Wiener, who authored the original bill, vowed to introduce new legislation to include state police in the mask ban.
The case has broader implications as several states, including Massachusetts and New York, consider similar measures to curb masked immigration enforcement. The widespread use of masks by ICE agents has sparked concerns about accountability and fear in communities, with Democratic lawmakers at the federal level also pushing for reforms.
Looking ahead, Snyder stayed her ruling until February 19, 2026, delaying the enforcement of the identification law. California officials plan to amend the mask ban to cover all law enforcement, potentially setting the stage for further legal battles. This ruling underscores the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration policy and law enforcement practices.
