Federal Judge Blocks California Law Banning Masked Federal Agents

Ruling says law unlawfully discriminates against federal law enforcement officers

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A federal judge has struck down California's 'No Secret Police Act', which banned federal agents from wearing masks in the state. The judge ruled that the law 'unlawfully discriminates' against federal law enforcement officers by treating them differently than state and local police. The law was passed in response to controversial federal immigration raids in California last year.

Why it matters

This ruling is a setback for California's efforts to impose more transparency and accountability on federal law enforcement operations within the state. The state had argued the mask ban was necessary to prevent federal agents from concealing their identities and using intimidation tactics, but the judge found the law was unconstitutional in its selective application.

The details

U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder ruled that the 'No Secret Police Act' violates the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause by treating federal law enforcement officers differently than state and local police. While the judge upheld a separate law requiring all officers to identify themselves, she found the mask ban unlawfully discriminated against federal agents. California had passed the law in response to controversial federal immigration raids last year that were criticized for using racial profiling and intimidation tactics.

  • The 'No Secret Police Act' was signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2025.
  • The federal judge's ruling striking down the mask ban came on February 9, 2026.

The players

U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder

The federal judge who ruled that California's law banning masked federal agents was unconstitutional.

California Governor Gavin Newsom

The governor who signed the 'No Secret Police Act' into law in 2025 in response to controversial federal immigration raids.

California State Senator Scott Wiener

The sponsor of the 'No Secret Police Act' who plans to introduce new legislation to include state and local officers under the mask ban.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi

The U.S. Attorney General who called the ruling a 'key court victory' for the Department of Justice and President Trump's 'law-and-order agenda'.

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What they’re saying

“These federal agents are harassed, doxxed, obstructed, and attacked on a regular basis just for doing their jobs. We have no tolerance for it.”

— Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney General (X)

“ICE and Border Control are covering their faces to maximize their terror campaign and to insulate themselves from accountability. States have limited tools to fight back against the federal government, but I will always use whatever tools are available to me to stand up against this violent and despicable assault on civilians.”

— Scott Wiener, California State Senator (Press Release)

What’s next

California State Senator Scott Wiener plans to introduce new legislation that would expand the mask ban to include state and local law enforcement officers, in an effort to make the law more comprehensive.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing tensions between California and the federal government over immigration enforcement tactics, with the state seeking more transparency and accountability for federal agents operating within its borders, while the Trump administration defends the actions of its law enforcement personnel.