The U.S. Justice Department filed suit on November 18, 2025 against the state of California over laws enacted in September that bar federal officers from wearing face coverings during official duties and mandate clear display of agency identification.

Federal authorities argue the statutes impede enforcement operations and violate the Supremacy Clause by regulating federal personnel.

Under the challenged legislation, federal immigration and customs agents must publicly identify themselves by January 1, 2026, and mask restrictions apply starting July 1, 2026, except for undercover roles or approved protective gear.

California Governor Gavin Newsom called the laws a necessary check on unaccountable federal enforcement actions, while Attorney General Rob Bonta said they protect public trust in law-enforcement by preventing confusion between official personnel and criminal impersonators.

The federal complaint highlights incidents in which officers with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement were followed home or had their personal information posted online, claiming the mask ban and ID rules jeopardise officer safety.

The state counters by citing a memorandum from the Federal Bureau of Investigation warning that masked agents—or those without visible identifiers—facilitate crime and reduce community confidence.

This lawsuit adds to a sequence of legal clashes between the Trump administration and California over immigration and enforcement policy.

With the case now before federal court, the state must determine whether to defend the statutes vigorously or seek amendments.

A hearing schedule has yet to be announced.