Overview

• Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli issued a directive to federal agency heads in California’s Central District declaring the state’s new law unenforceable against federal officers.
• His letter orders adherence to federal law and agency policies and warns he will prosecute any official or individual who impedes or interferes with operations.
• The Department of Homeland Security publicly rejected the statute earlier this week and stated ICE agents will not comply.
• Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the measure last weekend making identity‑concealing face coverings by on‑duty local, state and federal officers a misdemeanor with civil penalties, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
• Essayli cites agent safety, referencing an attack on an ICE facility in Dallas and a reported surge in assaults, while Newsom argues masks block transparency and oversight.