Judge Blocks California's Ban on Federal Agents Wearing Masks

Ruling says mask ban discriminates against federal law enforcement, but upholds requirement for visible ID.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A federal judge has blocked a California law that would have banned federal immigration agents from covering their faces, ruling that the mask ban as enacted discriminated against the federal government by exempting state law enforcement. The judge left open the possibility for future legislation banning masks for all law enforcement if applied equally. The ruling will go into effect on February 19.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, with California seeking to increase transparency and accountability for federal agents operating in the state, while the Trump administration argues the mask ban threatens officer safety.

The details

In September 2025, California became the first state to ban most law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings. The Trump administration then filed a lawsuit in November challenging the law, arguing it would threaten the safety of officers facing harassment and violence. The judge ruled the mask ban discriminated against federal agents by exempting state law enforcement, but upheld a separate law requiring all officers to wear visible identification.

  • The mask ban law was signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom in September 2025.
  • The Trump administration filed a lawsuit challenging the law in November 2025.
  • The federal judge issued the initial ruling blocking the mask ban on February 9, 2026.
  • The ruling will go into effect on February 19, 2026.

The players

Judge Christina Snyder

The federal judge who issued the ruling blocking California's mask ban for federal agents.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California who signed the bill banning most law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings.

Scott Wiener

The California state senator who proposed the original bill to ban facial coverings for law enforcement.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that claimed there has been a significant increase in assaults and threats against federal officers, justifying the need for masks.

California Department of Justice

The state agency that challenged the federal government's claims about the need for masks to protect officer safety.

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What they’re saying

“ICE and Border Patrol are covering their faces to maximize their terror campaign and to insulate themselves from accountability. We will ensure our mask ban can be enforced.”

— Scott Weiner, California State Senator (News Release)

“There is real deterrence on the officer's safety and ability to perform their duties.”

— Tiberius Davis, Government Lawyer (Court Hearing)

“It's obvious why these laws are in the public interest.”

— Cameron Bell, California Department of Justice Attorney (Court Hearing)

What’s next

The judge's ruling will go into effect on February 19, 2026. California State Senator Scott Weiner has said he will immediately introduce new legislation to include state police in the mask ban law.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, with California seeking to increase transparency and accountability for federal agents, while the Trump administration argues the mask ban threatens officer safety. The ruling could have national implications as states grapple with how to deal with federal agents enforcing the administration's immigration policies.