California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) recently signed a series of laws targeting federal immigration enforcement, including a controversial measure that limits mask use for federal officers.
The swift response from federal authorities made it clear that states cannot dictate federal operations, highlighting the inherent limits of state-level power.
The most prominent of the new laws, SB 627—officially the No Secret Police Act—bars federal and local officers, including ICE, from wearing masks while on duty.
The restrictions cover ski masks, neck gaiter and similar coverings but exempt undercover operations, medical masks and tactical assignments.
California’s own police forces are unaffected. The law is set to take effect January 1, 2026, The Gateway Pundit reports.
Newsom defended the legislation as a necessary pushback against federal overreach.
“We have the right to stand up and push back. This is a disgrace, this is an outrage,” he said, framing the law as a safeguard for Californians against aggressive immigration enforcement.
Supporters argue the measure promotes accountability and transparency for officers operating in the state.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli quickly rejected the law’s authority.
Posting on X, he stressed that California “has no jurisdiction over the federal government” and directed federal agencies to ignore