U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder struck down California’s “No Secret Police Act,” signed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in September, which prohibited federal immigration agents from wearing masks while performing their duties. The judge found that the law discriminates against federal officers by applying only to them and violates the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.

The law was enacted following violent protests in Los Angeles against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. Demonstrators blocked highways, set vehicles on fire, and attacked law enforcement during immigration raids, prompting President Donald Trump to deploy 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to restore order.

Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the ruling, calling it “another key court victory” for federal law enforcement. She noted that ICE officers have faced a surge in assaults, death threats, and doxxing, with activist groups publishing personal information and following agents to arrests. “These federal agents are harassed, doxxed, obstructed, and attacked on a regular basis just for doing their jobs. We have no tolerance for it,” Bondi said.

Judge Snyder upheld a separate measure, the “No Vigilantes Act,” which requires all law enforcement in California to display identification, including agency affiliation and badge number. However, she ruled that the mask ban unfairly singled out federal officers while exempting state police.

California lawmakers, including Democratic Senator Scott Wiener, indicated plans to amend the law to include state officers in order to enforce the mask restriction. Wiener called the ruling “a huge win” but signaled his intent to expedite legislation to address the discrepancy.

The ruling reinforces the federal government’s authority over its officers and protects ICE personnel from policies that would endanger them while performing law enforcement duties. It also underscores ongoing tensions between California’s progressive leadership and federal law enforcement priorities.

Judge Snyder was appointed by former President Bill Clinton.