The Department of Justice has successfully intervened to prevent Gavin Newsom from mandating that ICE agents remove their masks while operating within California.
On Thursday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit had issued a comprehensive stay, halting the Californian governor’s initiative.
Bondi shared on X: “The 9th Circuit has now granted a COMPLETE stay against California’s prohibition on masks for federal law enforcement officers.
“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line for us, yet face the threat of being exposed by extreme anti-police activists. This is unacceptable.
“This pivotal decision safeguards our courageous men and women on duty. We remain committed to challenging unjust laws like this in California and nationwide.”
Los Angeles’ chief federal prosecutor also expressed satisfaction with the outcome, criticizing the state’s attempt to dictate the actions of federal agents.
First Assistant US Attorney for the Central District Bill Essayli said: “The state of California needs to familiarize itself with the Supremacy Clause.”
He added “it does not have the authority to regulate federal agents,” and called it another “key win for the Justice Department.”
Earlier this month, a federal judge blocked a law that would ban federal agents from wearing masks in the state during law enforcement operations.
US District Judge Christina Snyder did rule in favor of a provision that requires all law enforcement officers — federal and state — to wear badges or other identification on their uniforms.
Newsom initially tried to take a victory lap, only to be smacked down by Essayli who said: “That’s a funny way of saying you lost. A federal judge BLOCKED your anti-masking law because it violated the Supremacy Clause.”
He added, “You know these attempts to regulate federal agents are unconstitutional and unenforceable. Federal agents acting within their duties are immune from state prosecution. Stop lying and misleading the public.”
Snyder, a Clinton-nominated US judge, ruled the mask measure “treats federal law enforcement differently than similarly situated state law enforcement officers.”
The Trump administration called the decision as a “key court victory.”
In September 2025, Newsom signed Senate Bill 627, known as the No Secret Police Act, to prohibit local and federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks or facial coverings to conceal their identity while conducting official duties. It took effect Jan. 1.
The Trump administration challenged the bill, arguing it interferes with federal operations.
