Judge Rejects California's Ban on Masks for Federal Agents

Ruling allows federal agents to wear face coverings, but requires visible identification

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A federal judge in Los Angeles has struck down California's law prohibiting federal law enforcement agents from wearing face masks, ruling that the state cannot single out federal officers for such a requirement. However, the judge did uphold a separate California law that requires all law enforcement officers, including federal agents, to display visible identification.

Why it matters

The ruling is a victory for the Trump administration, which had argued that the mask ban was unconstitutional and would chill federal law enforcement activity. Supporters of the California laws had argued that unidentifiable, masked agents undermined democratic principles of government accountability.

The details

Judge Christina A. Snyder of the Federal District Court in Los Angeles issued a preliminary injunction against California's mask ban, ruling that the law was unconstitutional because it did not apply equally to state and local law enforcement officers. However, the judge allowed the state to enforce a separate law requiring all law enforcement, including federal agents, to display visible identification.

  • On September 2025, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation prohibiting law enforcement officers from covering their faces, effective January 1, 2026.
  • On February 9, 2026, Judge Snyder issued the preliminary injunction against the mask ban.

The players

Judge Christina A. Snyder

A federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California who issued the preliminary injunction against California's law prohibiting federal agents from wearing face masks.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who signed legislation in September 2025 prohibiting law enforcement officers from covering their faces.

U.S. Department of Justice

The federal agency that filed a lawsuit challenging California's laws, arguing they were unconstitutional and would chill federal law enforcement activity.

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What’s next

The judge's preliminary injunction against the mask ban is likely to be appealed by the state of California.

The takeaway

This ruling highlights the ongoing tension between federal and state authority, as well as the debate over law enforcement transparency and accountability. The decision allows federal agents to continue wearing masks, but requires them to display visible identification, aiming to balance security concerns with democratic principles.