Federal Judge Blocks California Law Banning Federal Immigration Agents' Masks, Sidelining Trump Administration's Win.
A federal judge in California on Monday issued a ruling blocking a state law aimed at banning law enforcement officers - and immigration agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - from wearing masks to cover their faces. The move effectively invalidates a provision signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom earlier this year.
Judge Christina Snyder ruled that the law, known as SB 627, was discriminatory because it exempted state law enforcement officers while targeting federal immigration agents. She also upheld another California law requiring clear identification and badge numbers for law enforcement officers on duty in the state.
The Trump administration had filed a lawsuit against the legislation in November, arguing that it overstepped state authority by regulating the operations and uniforms of federal personnel. The Justice Department claimed that allowing the mask ban would pose a risk to officer safety amid harassment and violence.
Despite this, Judge Snyder's ruling found the law discriminatory due to the exemptions made for undercover agents, protective gear, and other situations where not wearing a mask could jeopardize an operation.
Federal Immigration Agents Are Exempt From The Mask Ban, But May Face Challenges Ahead
The lawsuit that led to Judge Snyder's decision targeted two California laws: SB 627, which bans law enforcement from covering their faces while in public; and SB 805, the "No Vigilantes Act," which requires officers to show clear identification during their duties.
President Trump's administration had argued that the legislation violated federal law due to its impact on officer safety. They also warned in court documents that the laws could embolden other states to follow suit with similar unconstitutional restrictions.
California Senate Democrat Scott Weiner, who initially proposed SB 627 and SB 805, vowed to introduce revised legislation including state police under a facial covering ban in response to Judge Snyder's ruling.
Los Angeles County supervisors had enacted their own local mask ban ordinance, which went into effect January 8, but the law is not being enforced pending this ruling.
A federal judge ruling against California's mask ban does not mean that all other states will follow suit or experience similar challenges. The move to enforce a uniform state-wide mask requirement across US law enforcement agencies could be complex and contentious in the future.
A federal judge in California on Monday issued a ruling blocking a state law aimed at banning law enforcement officers - and immigration agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - from wearing masks to cover their faces. The move effectively invalidates a provision signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom earlier this year.
Judge Christina Snyder ruled that the law, known as SB 627, was discriminatory because it exempted state law enforcement officers while targeting federal immigration agents. She also upheld another California law requiring clear identification and badge numbers for law enforcement officers on duty in the state.
The Trump administration had filed a lawsuit against the legislation in November, arguing that it overstepped state authority by regulating the operations and uniforms of federal personnel. The Justice Department claimed that allowing the mask ban would pose a risk to officer safety amid harassment and violence.
Despite this, Judge Snyder's ruling found the law discriminatory due to the exemptions made for undercover agents, protective gear, and other situations where not wearing a mask could jeopardize an operation.
Federal Immigration Agents Are Exempt From The Mask Ban, But May Face Challenges Ahead
The lawsuit that led to Judge Snyder's decision targeted two California laws: SB 627, which bans law enforcement from covering their faces while in public; and SB 805, the "No Vigilantes Act," which requires officers to show clear identification during their duties.
President Trump's administration had argued that the legislation violated federal law due to its impact on officer safety. They also warned in court documents that the laws could embolden other states to follow suit with similar unconstitutional restrictions.
California Senate Democrat Scott Weiner, who initially proposed SB 627 and SB 805, vowed to introduce revised legislation including state police under a facial covering ban in response to Judge Snyder's ruling.
Los Angeles County supervisors had enacted their own local mask ban ordinance, which went into effect January 8, but the law is not being enforced pending this ruling.
A federal judge ruling against California's mask ban does not mean that all other states will follow suit or experience similar challenges. The move to enforce a uniform state-wide mask requirement across US law enforcement agencies could be complex and contentious in the future.
. like, i get where the judge is coming from, exemptions and all that, but can't we just have one standard for all law enforcement? 
Can't believe this is happening!! Judge Snyder is literally a lifesaver... I mean, a justice-saver for federal immigration agents 
! SB 627 was so discriminatory, targeting only federal agents while letting state cops off scot-free 
. And what's with the whole "risk to officer safety" thing? Like, aren't they wearing riot gear already? 
It's like they thought they could just swoop in and nullify our laws because they don't agree with them 
. But seriously, this ruling is a major win for transparency and accountability in law enforcement 
.
. It's about time we held our own agencies accountable for their actions 
. And Los Angeles County supervisors, you're on the right track with your own mask ban ordinance 
! We need to see more states taking action like this 
.
. Let's keep pushing for justice and equality in our country 
. Can't have different rules for different agents, right? It's not about masking up or down, it's about consistency. Undercover work gets an exemption? What's next? Exemptions for corrupt cops too? 
it feels like they were trying to control what federal agents wear on their uniforms but honestly who doesn't want to know who's behind that mask anyway? 
the justice department was totally right about officer safety and harassment though 
it's a mess, california is already so extra 