Federal Judge Strikes Down California Mask Ban on Immigration Agents

But State Lawmakers Aim to Revive the Law with Revised Legislation

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A federal judge in Los Angeles ruled that California's law banning federal immigration agents and other law enforcement officers from wearing masks is unconstitutional, as it unlawfully discriminates against federal officers. However, the state senator who authored the legislation has proposed a new bill to prohibit mask-wearing by all law enforcement officers in California, in an effort to bring the law into compliance with the judge's ruling.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between California and the federal government over immigration enforcement, with the state seeking to increase transparency and accountability for federal agents operating within its borders. The ruling and proposed legislative changes could have significant implications for how federal immigration enforcement is conducted in California.

The details

U.S. District Judge Christina A. Snyder ruled that the California law, known as the No Secret Police Act, discriminates against federal officers by excluding state law enforcement from the mask-wearing restrictions. However, the judge indicated that a revised law applying the ban equally to all law enforcement officers could be constitutional. In response, State Sen. Scott Wiener has proposed new legislation to prohibit mask-wearing by all law enforcement in the state.

  • On Monday, February 9, 2026, a federal judge struck down California's law banning federal immigration agents and other law enforcement officers from wearing masks.
  • Immediately after the ruling, State Sen. Scott Wiener proposed a new bill to prohibit mask-wearing by all law enforcement officers in California.

The players

Christina A. Snyder

A U.S. District Judge in Los Angeles who ruled that California's law banning federal officers from wearing masks is unconstitutional.

Scott Wiener

A California state senator who authored the original law banning mask-wearing by federal officers, and has now proposed a new bill to prohibit mask-wearing by all law enforcement in the state.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who sued California to block the law from taking effect, and who has vowed to continue defending federal agents from such state action.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, whose office had conversations with Sen. Wiener about the original legislation.

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What they’re saying

“We will unmask these thugs and hold them accountable. Full stop.”

— Scott Wiener, State Senator

“ANOTHER key court victory thanks to our outstanding [Justice Department] attorneys.”

— Pam Bondi, Attorney General (X)

“No badge and no name mean no accountability. California will keep standing up for civil rights and our democracy.”

— Gavin Newsom, Governor

What’s next

State Sen. Scott Wiener plans to immediately file a new bill to prohibit mask-wearing by all law enforcement officers in California, in an effort to bring the law into compliance with the federal judge's ruling.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between California and the federal government over immigration enforcement, with the state seeking to increase transparency and accountability for federal agents operating within its borders. The ruling and proposed legislative changes could have significant implications for how federal immigration enforcement is conducted in California.