Trump Administration Sues California Over Laws Restricting Federal Operations and ICE Officers
The Trump administration and Department of Justice are suing California over new state laws, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September, that restrict ICE operations and prohibit federal agents from wearing masks.
DOJ seeks block on CA laws barring ICE from hiding identities
Washington Examiner
Overview
- The Trump administration and Department of Justice initiated a lawsuit against California over state laws perceived to discriminate against the federal government and threaten ICE officers.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom signed these laws in September, which aim to restrict ICE operations and prevent vigilantes from wearing face masks.
- Among these laws is the "No Secret Police Act," mandating all law enforcement, including federal agents, to display clear identification and badge numbers on duty.
- The state's legislation specifically prohibits federal agents from wearing masks or facial coverings like neck gaiters and ski masks during official business, with limited exceptions.
- The federal lawsuit argues that California's new laws violate the Constitution's Supremacy Clause, asserting federal authority over state regulations concerning federal agents' conduct.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the story neutrally, presenting a balanced account of the lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against California's laws banning masked federal agents. They focus on reporting the arguments from both federal and state officials, detailing the legal basis and the safety concerns raised by each side. The coverage avoids loaded language and provides context for the legislative actions.
"The lawsuit filed Monday argues California's laws violate the Constitution's Supremacy Clause, under which federal laws take precedence over state laws."
CBS News"California’s anti-law enforcement policies discriminate against the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents."
Associated PressArticles (7)
FAQ
California enacted Senate Bill 627, known as the No Secret Police Act, which prohibits local, state, and federal law enforcement officers, including ICE agents, from wearing facial coverings that conceal their identity during official duties, with certain exceptions. The law also requires law enforcement agencies to adopt policies on facial covering use by July 1, 2026.
The law exempts SWAT team units, approved undercover assignments, translucent or clear masks, motorcycle helmets, eyewear protecting against retinal weapons, medical masks like N95 or surgical masks, breathing apparatuses against toxins, gas, smoke, masks for inclement weather, and masks used in underwater operations.
The Trump administration and Department of Justice argue that California's laws violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by interfering with federal authority over federal agents and operations, asserting that federal regulations take precedence over conflicting state laws.
California officials and immigrant, labor, and civil rights groups support the laws as protecting democratic values and public safety, aiming to prevent 'secret police' tactics by requiring law enforcement to display clear identification and restricting masked operations that create fear and confusion among residents.
The mask ban and related laws signed by Governor Newsom in September 2025 will take effect on January 1, 2026, with law enforcement agencies required to adopt policies on facial coverings by July 1, 2026.
History
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4 articles