DOJ sued California to block state laws requiring federal agents to visibly identify themselves and barring masks
On November 17, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice sued California, Gov. Gavin Newsom, and Attorney General Rob Bonta over two state laws enacted that September: the No Vigilantes Act, which requires federal law enforcement officers to visibly display identification, and the No Secret Police Act, which bars them from wearing face masks while on duty. DOJ argued both laws unconstitutionally regulate the federal government under the Supremacy Clause and endanger officers by exposing them to doxxing and violence. A Ninth Circuit panel later enjoined enforcement of the identification requirement pending DOJ's appeal.