Trump Administration Sues California Over Federal Agents’ Face Covering Ban
The Department of Justice has initiated a lawsuit against California regarding two laws that restrict the use of facial coverings by federal agents. This legal action was launched on Monday and claims that California’s regulations infringe upon the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which asserts the primacy of federal law over state legislation. Furthermore, the Trump administration asserts that these laws jeopardize the safety of federal officers.
Details of the Lawsuit
According to the documents filed, federal officials declared they “do not intend to comply” with California’s mandates. Bill Essayli, the lead federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, emphasized the lawsuit’s significance on social media, stating, “We filed a lawsuit to strike down California’s unconstitutional law aimed at unmasking the faces of our federal agents.” He argued that these laws could enable criminals to target federal officers.
California’s Response
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s spokesperson criticized the Trump administration’s move. Diana Crofts-Pelayo stated, “If the Trump administration cared half as much about public safety…our communities would be much safer.” She asserted that the administration’s focus is misaligned with public safety concerns.
Legislative Background
In September, Governor Newsom enacted the No Secret Police Act. This law prohibits all federal, state, and local officials from using facial coverings during official duties, with specific exemptions for the California Highway Patrol, undercover operatives, and individuals requiring masks for medical reasons.
The lawsuit claims that California discriminates against federal agents by making exemptions for certain state officials under this law. Alongside the No Secret Police Act, Newsom also signed the No Vigilantes Act, which mandates that non-uniformed federal agents visibly present their identification while on duty starting in January.
Motivation Behind the Legislation
These measures were introduced following concerns from California Democratic senators about federal agents wearing masks during immigration enforcement throughout the state. Penalties for noncompliance have been included in both laws, potentially criminalizing federal officers’ actions.
Criticism of the Laws
- The California Association of Highway Patrolmen argues that the facial covering ban endangers officers and their families.
- Critics argue the laws punish local law enforcement for federal conduct.
- The Department of Homeland Security urged Newsom to veto these bills and reaffirmed its stance of noncompliance following their passage.
In June, parallel federal legislation, the No Secret Police Act, was introduced by Democratic Representatives Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat. This act echoes California’s initiatives by banning facial coverings for law enforcement officials and requiring clear identification during detentions.
The ongoing legal dispute signals a deeper conflict between state and federal authorities as the issue of law enforcement transparency continues to unfold in California.
