How a last-minute deal doomed California's ban on masked ICE agents - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Sonja Sharp

March 4, 2026

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California's attempt to mandate that ICE agents remove their masks while on duty in the state was struck down by a federal judge due to legal exemptions that favored federal officers. The mask ban, part of two new laws aimed at increasing transparency and accountability for law enforcement, faced significant challenges when a compromise during the legislative process exempted state peace officers from complying with the rule. This exemption led U.S. District Judge Christina A. Snyder to rule the law unconstitutional, as it unlawfully discriminated against federal agents. The two laws in question required all law enforcement in California to display identification and banned masks for local cops and federal agents, except for state agencies like the California Highway Patrol. However, a last-minute amendment introduced by Gov. Gavin Newsom's office before the

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 3/4/2026