U.S. Judge Blocks California Mask Ban on Federal Officers, Upholds ID Requirement

A federal judge in Los Angeles has preliminarily struck down a California law that barred federal officers from wearing masks while on duty, ruling that the U.S. government is likely to succeed in arguing the measure is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder said the mask restriction violates the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which limits states from interfering with federal operations. The judge found the law unfairly singled out federal personnel while exempting state law enforcement, undermining federal authority.

However, Snyder upheld a separate state provision requiring federal officers to display identification while carrying out official duties. Gavin Newsom welcomed that part of the ruling, calling it “a clear win for the rule of law” and stressing accountability in enforcement actions. On the other side, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the decision blocking the mask ban, arguing federal agents frequently face harassment, doxxing and physical threats while performing their jobs.

The legal clash stems from laws signed by Newsom in September amid tensions over immigration enforcement and the deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles during protests under President Donald Trump. The U.S. Department of Justice sued in November, asserting that California’s rules exposed federal officers to potential criminal liability and disrupted federal law enforcement. Snyder, an appointee of former President Bill Clinton, agreed that the mask ban directly interfered with federal functions, while allowing the identification rule to stand.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright