California Judge Rules Mask Ban Doesn’t Apply to Federal and Immigration Agents
Federal Judge Blocks California’s ‘No Secret Police Act’ Enforcement
A federal judge ruled on Monday that California cannot enforce its recently passed law prohibiting law enforcement officials, including federal agents, from wearing masks or face coverings while on duty. U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder stated that federal authority takes precedence over state laws under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
The law, known as the No Secret Police Act or Senate Bill 627, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September and was set to take effect on July 1. It was introduced in response to growing concerns about immigration enforcement operations, often carried out by masked federal agents, which have drawn significant criticism from California residents.
"California may not enforce the facial covering prohibition of the No Secret Police Act against federal law enforcement officers,” Judge Snyder wrote in her order. Despite this ruling, she declined the federal government’s request for a preliminary injunction against the law, noting that the administration “has failed to demonstrate that the facial covering prohibition directly regulates the federal government.”
In a related ruling regarding the No Vigilantes Act, which mandates that law enforcement officers visibly display identification, Judge Snyder sided with California, asserting that this provision does not violate the Supremacy Clause as it does not directly regulate federal entities.
Both state and federal governments have until February 19 to file an appeal.
Introduced by State Senators Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Jesse Arreguin (D-Berkeley), the No Secret Police Act aims to enhance transparency amid complaints about unmarked vehicles and masked federal agents conducting immigration enforcement. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi previously criticized the law as "anti-law enforcement," claiming it discriminates against federal authorities and poses risks to agents’ safety.
Law enforcement groups, including the Peace Officers Research Association of California, have voiced opposition to the bill, arguing that it could jeopardize the identities and safety of officers.
The No Vigilantes Act, proposed by State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena), seeks to protect Californians by preventing unauthorized individuals from conducting immigration enforcement. “The No Vigilantes Act aims to ensure that anyone conducting enforcement in California is really who they say they are,” Pérez stated, adding that anyone who refuses to provide identification will be investigated by local police under this law.
Governor Newsom’s office has been contacted for further comments regarding these developments.
