California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 20 signed a bill that would prohibit most law enforcement officers—including federal agents—from wearing masks during official operations in the state.
The first-of-its-kind law, which would go into effect in January 2026, was immediately criticized by Trump administration officials, who have instructed federal agents to ignore it. That sets the stage for a showdown in court.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents—who are most involved in carrying out President Donald Trump’s deportation operations—have taken to wearing masks while carrying out their jobs.
During the Sept. 20 bill-signing event, Newsom said that the state was “pushing back against the authoritarian tendencies in action this administration.”
“The impact of these policies all across this city, our state, and nation are terrifying,” Newsom said. “It’s like a dystopian sci-fi movie. Unmarked cars, people in masks, people quite literally disappearing. No due process, no rights in a democracy where we have rights.”
The administration has defended the use of masking by federal agents, who officials say are facing increased threats and violence related to their work.
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