Federal judge stops California ban on ICE agents wearing masks from taking effect

Snyder did not block the "No Vigilantes Act," which requires all law enforcement officers to wear a personal identifier on their uniforms, along with something that identifies what agency they are affiliated with.

Published: February 9, 2026 9:27pm

A federal judge in Los Angeles on Monday temporarily blocked California from enforcing its new law that bans federal officers from wearing masks while on duty, ruling that the state law violated the Supremacy Clause.

Judge Christina Snyder, who was appointed by former President Bill Clinton, ruled that the "No Secret Police" law discriminated against federal agents in its current form because it does not apply to state and local police as well, per Fox News.

"The Court finds that federal officers can perform their federal functions without wearing masks," Snyder wrote. "However, because the No Secret Police Act, as presently enacted, does not apply equally to all law enforcement officers in the state, it unlawfully discriminates against federal officers."

Snyder did not block the "No Vigilantes Act," which requires all law enforcement officers to wear a personal identifier on their uniforms, along with something that identifies what agency they are affiliated with.

The rulings were applauded by both sides with California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom celebrating the vigilantes ruling and Attorney General Pam Bondi noting the significant victory for the Trump administration, which has claimed that the ban on face masks puts federal agents at risk.

"ANOTHER key court victory thanks to our outstanding Justice Department attorneys," Bondi said on X. "Following our arguments, a district court in California BLOCKED the enforcement of a law that would have banned federal agents from wearing masks to protect their identities. These federal agents are harassed, doxxed, obstructed, and attacked on a regular basis just for doing their jobs. We have no tolerance for it."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.

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