President Donald Trump’s administration is refusing to comply with California’s new law banning federal immigration agents from wearing face coverings during enforcement operations.
The move is setting up another direct clash between Washington and Sacramento over immigration.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the so-called “No Secret Police Act” on Saturday.
The bill prohibits local and federal officers from wearing ski masks, gaiters, or other face coverings while conducting operations in the state.
The law goes into effect in January 2026.
It includes exceptions for SWAT teams and medical masks, but is aimed directly at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) quickly pushed back.
Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told the Daily Caller:
“Governor Gavin Newsom is fanning the flames of division, hatred, and dehumanization of our law enforcement.
“At a time that ICE law enforcement faces a 1,000% increase in assaults and their family members are being doxxed and targeted, the sitting Governor of California signs unconstitutional legislation that strips law enforcement of protections in a disgusting, diabolical fundraising and PR stunt.
“To be crystal clear: we will not abide by Newsom’s unconstitutional ban.”
Federal Supremacy vs. State Overreach
Legal experts note that