A federal judge blocked a California law that would ban federal immigration agents from wearing face coverings. The judge ruled on Monday that while agents cannot cover their faces, they still need to wear clear identification showing their agency and badge number. California became the first state to ban most law enforcement officers from wearing masks under a bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last September. This followed the controversial ICE raids in Los Angeles last summer. The Trump administration sued the state in November, arguing the mask ban endangered officers by preventing them from protecting their identities and violated the Constitution by interfering with federal authority. The Department of Justice said federal officers should be able to choose whether to wear masks to avoid harassment and violence. "Denying federal agencies and officers that choice would chill federal law enforcement and deter applicants for law enforcement positions," the DOJ wrote. Judge Christina Snyder said she blocked the mask ban because it did not apply equally to state and local law enforcement, unfairly targeting federal agents. US Attorney General Pam Bondi called the ruling a "key court victory," adding federal agents are "attacked on a regular basis just for doing their jobs." She affirmed the Justice Department "will ALWAYS have the backs of our great federal law enforcement officers." California State Senator Scott Wiener, who proposed the mask ban bill, vowed to introduce new legislation including state police. He said, "ICE and Border Patrol are covering their faces to maximize their terror campaign and to insulate themselves from accountability. We will ensure our mask ban can be enforced." Judge Snyder allowed a separate law requiring all law enforcement officers—state and federal—to show clear ID to stand. Newsom’s office called this a "clear win for the rule of law." The rulings may influence national policies as states respond to federal immigration enforcement actions. Many officials and lawmakers criticize masked ICE agents for creating fear and hiding accountability. Legislators in Massachusetts and New York have also proposed mask bans on federal immigration officers. Recently, House and Senate minority leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer demanded Congress ban ICE agents from wearing face coverings. Both California laws were to take effect January 1, but enforcement was paused while the lawsuit was considered. California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the federal government for using masked, unidentified agents in enforcement but praised the ID law for promoting transparency and accountability. Judge Snyder left open the door for future federal mask bans if applied equally to all officers. She stayed her ruling until February 19, so the ID law likely won’t start until then.