A federal judge has blocked California from enforcing its “No Secret Police Act” that banned federal immigration agents from wearing masks during deportation operations, while allowing another law requiring officers to display identification to remain in effect.
On Monday, U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder ruled that California’s mask ban likely violates the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause because it discriminates against federal officers by not applying equally to state law enforcement personnel.
“The Act treats federal law enforcement officers differently than similarly situated state law enforcement officers,” wrote Judge Snyder in her 30-page decision.
The judge rejected the Trump administration’s argument that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents need to wear masks to prevent doxing and harassment. The Department of Homeland Security had reported a 1,300 percent increase in assaults against ICE officers from 2024 to 2025.
However, Judge Snyder, a Clinton appointee, suggested the anti-masking law would be constitutional if it were broadened to include state officers. In response, Democratic state Senator Scott Wiener, who authored the mask ban, announced he would propose legislation adding state law enforcement to the law.
While blocking the mask ban, Judge Snyder upheld California’s “No Vigilantes Act,” which requires most local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel to display their name or badge number while on duty. The judge determined this law is likely constitutional because it applies more broadly, including to California officials.
“The Court finds that these Acts serve the public interest by promoting transparency which is essential for accountability and public trust,” Snyder wrote in her ruling.
Governor Gavin Newsom praised the identification requirement ruling as a “clear win for the rule of law” in a statement.
“No badge and no name mean no accountability. California will keep standing up for civil rights and our democracy,” the governor said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi defended federal agents in a social media post, stating: “These federal agents are harassed, doxxed, obstructed, and attacked on a regular basis just for doing their jobs. We have no tolerance for it.”
The laws were signed amid tensions over President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, which included a surge of federal law enforcement personnel to Los Angeles to address protests over the administration’s mass deportation agenda.
Judge Snyder stayed her ruling until February 19, meaning enforcement of the identification requirement is unlikely to begin before then. The ruling could also be further delayed if the Trump administration obtains a stay from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
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