A federal judge in Los Angeles has temporarily blocked a California law that prohibits federal officers from wearing masks while on duty. U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder ruled that the federal government is likely to prove the law unconstitutional and granted a preliminary injunction preventing its enforcement.
California Law Requiring Federal Officers to Display ID Upheld
In the same ruling, Snyder upheld another California law requiring federal officers to display identification while performing their duties. Governor Gavin Newsom called this decision “a clear win for the rule of law,” adding that “no badge and no name mean no accountability.”
DOJ Praises Court Victory Against Mask Ban
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi welcomed the ruling on the mask law as “ANOTHER key court victory” on X. She said federal officers face serious risks, adding, “These federal agents are harassed, doxxed, obstructed, and attacked on a regular basis just for doing their jobs. We have no tolerance for it.”
US Federal Government Challenges Mask Ban in Court
The Department of Justice argued in its lawsuit that federal officers risk criminal liability under state law, as California officials have openly targeted them and disrupted federal law enforcement operations, including immigration enforcement.
US Judge Rules Mask Ban Violates Supremacy Clause
Snyder, appointed by former President Bill Clinton, sided with the Trump administration, stating that the California mask law violated the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which prevents states from interfering with federal operations. She noted the law unfairly singled out federal officers, treating them differently from state law enforcement personnel, who are not subject to the mask restriction.