Judge blocks California law banning federal agents from wearing masks

U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder ruled the law "unlawfully discriminates" against federal law enforcement officers.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A federal judge has struck down California's "No Secret Police Act" that would have banned federal law enforcement agents from wearing masks in the state. The judge ruled the law "unlawfully discriminates" against federal agents, while allowing state and local officers to continue wearing masks.

Why it matters

The ruling is a setback for California's efforts to curb tactics used by federal immigration enforcement agents, which have faced criticism for using racial profiling, fear, and concealing their identities during raids. The decision highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement.

The details

U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder said the law does not prevent federal agents from doing their jobs, but blocked it because it specifically affects only federal agents, leaving out state and local law enforcement officers. The judge noted the law violates the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause.

  • On February 9, 2026, a federal judge struck down California's "No Secret Police Act".

The players

Christina Snyder

A U.S. District Judge who ruled against California's law banning federal agents from wearing masks.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who signed the "No Secret Police Act" and the "No Vigilantes Act" in 2025 in response to federal immigration raids.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who called the ruling "another key court victory" for the U.S. Department of Justice.

Scott Wiener

The California state senator who sponsored the mask ban and plans to introduce new legislation to include state and local officers.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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, 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

Senator Scott Wiener plans to introduce new legislation that includes state and local officers under the mask ban bill, in an effort to expedite its passage.

The takeaway

The ruling highlights the ongoing tensions between California and the federal government over immigration enforcement tactics, with the state seeking to hold federal agents accountable while the federal government argues the agents are simply doing their jobs.