A federal judge blocked California’s efforts to expose ICE agents

Judge Christina Snyder, appointed during the Clinton administration, issued a preliminary injunction against the No Secret Police Act, arguing that it discriminated against the federal government by violating the Supremacy Clause.

Under the constitutional provision, federal law takes precedence over any conflicting state or local law, rendering the lower-level law unenforceable.

The “no secret police” ruling hinges on California relieving its state officers while punishing federal agents, Snyder said.

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Observers film ICE agents conducting a perimeter detention after one of their vehicles suffered a flat tire on Pennsylvania Avenue on February 5, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Stephen Maturin/Getty Images)

“The court holds that federal officers can perform their federal jobs without wearing masks,” Snyder said. “However, because the No Undercover Police Act, as currently enacted, does not apply equally to all state law enforcement officers, it constitutes unlawful discrimination against federal officers.”

Attorney General Pamela Bondi praised the ruling in a post Monday, saying federal agents are increasingly being targeted for doing their jobs and warning that the law would have exacerbated existing safety risks.

“Another victory in court thanks to our excellence @TheJusticeDept “Lawyers,” Bundy said.

“Following our arguments, a district court in California blocked enforcement of a law that would have prevented federal agents from wearing masks to protect their identities.”

“These federal agents are regularly harassed, defamed, obstructed, and attacked simply for doing their jobs. We have zero tolerance for that.”

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District Attorney Pam Bondi praised Judge Christina Snyder’s ruling Monday. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)

Although the ruling blocked a ban on face coverings, the court allowed the state’s “no-guard law” to remain in effect, which requires all officers to display their affiliation with their agency and personal identifier, such as a badge number, on their uniform.

Governor of California Gavin Newsom He called the ruling a “victory” and described the decision as a victory for his political goals, despite the court overturning the other measure.

“A federal court upheld a California law requiring federal agents to identify themselves — a clear win for the rule of law. No badge, no name means no accountability,” Newsom said. “California will continue to stand up for civil rights and our democracy.”

Newsom signed the measures into law last September in response to recent federal enforcement operations in the state. California argued that the laws were valid safety regulations, likening them to speed limits or other traffic laws.

“Each of the challenged provisions is a legitimate exercise of California police powers that affects federal immigration and law enforcement, at most, only incidentally,” court documents said.

California added that the law does not “control, impede, or confer “presumptive review authority” on federal law enforcement activities, and therefore does not amount to direct unconstitutional regulation.”

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California Governor Gavin Newsom signed multiple measures last September targeting transparency in the identification of ICE agents. (AP photo)

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The state has stayed enforcement against federal agencies, despite a start date of January 1, 2026, while the court considers the U.S. request for a preliminary injunction.

Bondi added The Trump administration will continue to fight to protect federal agents amid what it described as intense scrutiny.

“We will continue to fight and win in court for President Trump “The law and order agenda — and we will always have the support of our great federal law enforcement officers,” Bondi said.