Trump Admin Sues California Over Mask Ban for Federal Agents

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against the State of California challenging two new laws that ban federal agents from covering their faces and require them to display visible identification while conducting official operations. The lawsuit was submitted on Monday after California became the first state in the country to introduce a law restricting most law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from using facial coverings such as ski masks and neck gaiters during official duties. The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September, includes exceptions for undercover agents, protective equipment like N95 masks, and tactical gear. It does not apply to state police.

The federal government argues that these laws put federal officers at risk at a time when they face increased harassment, doxing, and personal threats. According to the lawsuit, federal agencies allow officers to wear masks to protect their identities and ensure an additional layer of security. The lawsuit cites several incidents involving Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers being followed and threatened, including a case in Los Angeles where three women allegedly livestreamed themselves trailing an ICE agent and posting the agent’s home address online. US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that California’s policies discriminate against the federal government and increase risks for federal agents.

California also passed a second law requiring all law enforcement officers to wear clear identification that shows their agency and badge number. Under the new rules, federal law enforcement agencies must issue a mask policy by July 1, 2026, and a visible identification policy by January 1, 2026. Governor Newsom has criticized the practice of masked federal agents arresting people, calling it dystopian. Critics have also raised concerns about the growing role of federal agents in local policing and the lack of visible identification during immigration enforcement activities.

In response to the situation, Newsom’s office said that public safety would improve if the federal government focused more on civil rights and lawful conduct. The FBI issued a memo in October advising officers across the country to clearly identify themselves, noting that criminals posing as immigration officers have used masks to commit robberies and kidnappings. According to the FBI, the lack of visible identification has contributed to confusion among the public and an increase in copycat crimes.

The federal government argues in its lawsuit that California’s laws violate the Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution, which prevents states from regulating federal operations. The lawsuit states that the exemption for state police discriminates against federal officers. California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office said it is reviewing the complaint and emphasized that it is important for residents to distinguish genuine law enforcement officials from criminals. The office also noted that the FBI has linked the use of obscured identities by immigration officers to a rise in crimes committed by individuals impersonating law enforcement. The legal challenge has renewed national discussion about public safety, transparency in law enforcement, and the balance of authority between state and federal governments.