Trump Admin to Ignore California’s ‘Unconstitutional’ Anti-ICE Law

President Donald Trump’s administration is refusing to comply with California’s new law banning federal immigration agents from wearing face coverings during enforcement operations.

The move is setting up another direct clash between Washington and Sacramento over immigration.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the so-called “No Secret Police Act” on Saturday.

The bill prohibits local and federal officers from wearing ski masks, gaiters, or other face coverings while conducting operations in the state.

The law goes into effect in January 2026.

It includes exceptions for SWAT teams and medical masks, but is aimed directly at Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) quickly pushed back.

Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told the Daily Caller:

“Governor Gavin Newsom is fanning the flames of division, hatred, and dehumanization of our law enforcement.

“At a time that ICE law enforcement faces a 1,000% increase in assaults and their family members are being doxxed and targeted, the sitting Governor of California signs unconstitutional legislation that strips law enforcement of protections in a disgusting, diabolical fundraising and PR stunt.

“To be crystal clear: we will not abide by Newsom’s unconstitutional ban.”

Federal Supremacy vs. State Overreach

Legal experts note that California has no authority to regulate federal officers.

Under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, federal law enforcement duties override conflicting state laws.

ICE officials emphasized that their agents already wear federal badges clearly identifying them as law enforcement.

“If an ICE officer or agent chooses to wear a mask to protect themselves from being doxxed and targeted by gangs like Tren de Aragua and MS-13, they clearly identify themselves as law enforcement,” an ICE spokesperson said.

Rising Threats Against Agents

The mask issue comes amid escalating violence against immigration officers.

In April, a Texas man was arrested for allegedly threatening to open fire on ICE agents.

In July, a New York man was charged after posting online threats to kill ICE officers.

On July 4, nearly a dozen armed assailants in tactical gear ambushed an ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas, leaving a local police officer shot in the neck.

Federal officials warn that stripping agents of anonymity in such a hostile environment will only embolden gangs and violent criminals.

Newsom and the Left’s Rhetoric

The legislation was introduced by California State Sen. Scott Wiener, the same Democrat who previously authored a law reducing penalties for knowingly transmitting HIV.

Wiener smeared the Trump administration as an “authoritarian regime” running a “terror campaign.”

Newsom himself drew fire for a taunting post on X shortly before signing the bill:

“Kristi Noem is going to have a bad day today. You’re welcome, America.”

McLaughlin blasted the remark, saying it amounted to violent rhetoric directed at a sitting Cabinet member.

Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli confirmed he referred the matter to the Secret Service.

Criminals Already in Custody

The Trump administration has ramped up deportations across California since returning to office.

DHS provided a list of violent criminals captured in the state, including:

• David Rodriguez-Veliz, an MS-13 gang member convicted of weapons trafficking and wanted in El Salvador for disappearances.
• Rawy Javier Mogollon-Morillo, a Tren de Aragua gangbanger tied to organized crime.
• Chamil Machado-Gonzalez, a Surenos-13 member and convicted kidnapper.
• Phoxay Souvannarath, convicted of voluntary manslaughter and allegedly tied to the Oriental Killer Boys gang.

“These are the kinds of dangerous criminals Governor Newsom would rather protect than our law enforcement officers,” a DHS official said.

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