Trump administration vows ICE will not comply with California masking law

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Monday said it would not force Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to stop wearing masks in California, despite California Gov. Gavin Newsom's new law requiring them to do so. 

Newsom signed the state legislation into law on Saturday, which bans face coverings like neck gaiters and ski masks for ICE agents and other law enforcement authorities operating in the Golden State. It does allow coverings for people with medical conditions, or SWAT members. 

“Governor Gavin Newsom is fanning the flames of division, hatred and dehumanization of our law enforcement,” Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told the Daily Caller. "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," she added.

The law is expected to go into effect in January, but federal authorities are not generally bound by state laws. Supporters of the law argue that federal officers should be easily identifiable for accountability reasons, but ICE and DHS officials have warned about the increase in attacks on law enforcement officials in the wake of a string of ICE raids nationwide.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.