A federal appeals court on Wednesday blocked enforcement of a California law that would have required federal immigration officers, including ICE agents, to unmask and wear visible identification during operations in the state.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals granted the United States’ motion for an injunction pending appeal. The court ruled that Section 10 of the No Vigilantes Act (S.B. 805) “attempts to directly regulate the United States in its performance of governmental functions,” violating the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
California, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Attorney General Rob Bonta are now enjoined from applying or enforcing the provision against federal agencies and officers.
The California law, enacted in 2025 and set to take effect in 2026, required non-uniformed law enforcement officers operating in the state to visibly display identification that includes their agency and either a name or badge number while performing enforcement duties.
In its opinion, the three-judge panel sided with the federal government at this preliminary stage. The court determined that the state statute impermissibly interfered with core federal functions. The full opinion is available here.
The injunction halts enforcement of the identification requirement against federal officers statewide while the appeal proceeds. The case involves challenges to both S.B. 805 (No Vigilantes Act) and the related S.B. 627 (No Secret Police Act), which addressed facial coverings. Earlier district court actions had addressed portions of the mask provisions.
This development occurs amid broader Trump administration actions on border security. The Department of Homeland Security reported 11 straight months of zero releases at the southern border as of early April 2026.
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated, “Eleven straight months of ZERO releases at the border. Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, we are delivering the most secure border in American history.”
CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott added that “America First policies, real consequences, and a unified federal effort” have produced historically low crossings, per a Homeland Security press release.
The administration has prioritized the expansion of detention and removal operations, the reinstatement of certain protocols, and the construction of additional border barriers. These efforts build on executive actions issued since January 2025 to end catch-and-release practices.
The decision provides immediate relief to ICE operations in California by preserving agents’ operational discretion regarding identification and masking. Federal law enforcement agencies have argued that such requirements could compromise officer safety and mission effectiveness in high-risk environments.
California officials have not yet detailed next steps, such as whether they will seek further review. The 9th Circuit’s order remains in effect pending further proceedings.
