Judge blocks enforcement of California's law banning masks for ICE agents

[In It to Win It]

A judge on Monday blocked California from enforcing a new law sharply limiting when federal agents can wear masks while engaged in deportation operations.

U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder rejected the Trump administration’s claim that ICE agents need to wear masks to prevent doxing. However, in a 30-page decision, the judge said California’s “No Secret Police Act” appears to violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause by discriminating against the federal government because the law’s provisions do not apply to state or local law enforcement officers.

“The Act treats federal law enforcement officers differently than similarly situated state law enforcement officers,” Snyder concluded.

But the judge also turned down the federal government’s request to block another California law aimed at abuses in immigration enforcement: the “No Vigilantes Act.” It requires most local, state and federal law enforcement personnel to display their name or badge number while on duty.

Snyder, a Clinton appointee based in Los Angeles, said that law is likely to pass constitutional muster because it applies more broadly, including to California officials. She also suggested the anti-masking law would be constitutional if it were broadened to cover state and local law enforcement as well.

https://www.politico.com/news/2026/02/09/judge-blocks-enforcement-california-ice-agents-masks-00772396

[DoBW]

1. when at first you don't sucreed -

well, you know. the door's still open

[msfiddlestix]

2. I feel like the judge left Specific Instructions in the way to get it approved in court next time. I might be misreading

Or misinterpreting the part where she indicates the wording should include all law enforcement agencies?

[Sympthsical]

3. You have it right

Sometimes judges will give how-to's in their opinions for laws that don't quite pass constitutional muster, but could if they tweak things just a bit. This is one of those times.