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Justice Department Sues California to Block Mask Ban and ID Rules for Federal Officers

The department asks a Los Angeles federal judge to block two state statutes as preempted by the Supremacy Clause.

The Justice Department sued California Monday over two laws prohibiting federal officers from wearing masks and requiring them to display their name or badge number.
A law enforcement officer stands as people filled the streets of downtown Los Angeles in a massive 'No Kings' march, starting at City Hall and Molina Park.
FILE - Law enforcement officers stand guard during a protest, June 14, 2025, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File)
FILE - A woman stands off with a law enforcement officer wearing a Houston Field Office Special Response Team patch outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs building during a protest in Portland, Ore., June 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Jenny Kane, File)

Overview

  • Filed Nov. 17 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, the complaint names the state, Gov. Gavin Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta.
  • SB627 (“No Secret Police Act”) bans most officers from wearing face coverings during enforcement except for undercover or health reasons, carries up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, and is slated to take effect Jan. 1, 2026.
  • SB805 (“No Vigilantes Act”) requires non‑uniformed officers to display visible identification such as a name or badge number, took effect upon signing, and the laws direct federal agencies to adopt ID and mask policies by Jan. 1, 2026 and July 1, 2026, respectively.
  • DOJ argues the measures unlawfully regulate federal operations, says it will not comply, seeks preliminary and permanent injunctions, and cites doxxing and harassment risks including an incident in which an ICE agent was followed home and his address posted online.
  • Attorney General Pamela Bondi frames the suit as part of a broader Civil Division campaign after challenges in New York, New Jersey and Los Angeles, while Newsom and bill sponsors defend the laws as accountability measures; Bonta’s office says it is reviewing the complaint and Newsom has signaled possible clarifications next year.