9th Circuit Blocks California Law Designed to Dox ICE Agents

SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit on April 22, 2026, granted an injunction blocking enforcement of a California law that required federal immigration agents, including ICE officers, to display visible identification and refrain from wearing masks during enforcement operations.

The three-judge panel ruled that § 10 of the No Vigilantes Act (SB 805) “attempts to directly regulate the United States in its performance of governmental functions. The Supremacy Clause forbids the State from enforcing such legislation.” The court found the United States is likely to succeed on the merits of its Supremacy Clause claim and that the balance of equities favors an injunction pending appeal.

California passed the law, along with the related No Secret Police Act (SB 627), in 2025 and Gov. Gavin Newsom signed both as part of the state’s sanctuary policies. The measures were designed to limit federal immigration enforcement by prohibiting masks on law enforcement officers and requiring them to clearly identify themselves, which critics said was intended to hinder ICE operations, expose agents to doxing, and create operational risks.

U.S. District Judge Christina Snyder had previously blocked the mask ban portion for discriminating against federal officers while initially allowing the identification requirement. The 9th Circuit’s latest ruling extends protection to the identification mandate as well.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli called the decision “a huge legal victory” for federal law enforcement.

The ruling comes amid California’s continued resistance to the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts. In 2025, anti-ICE riots in Los Angeles prompted President Trump to deploy the National Guard.

For federal agents conducting lawful operations in California, the decision preserves essential safety and tactical flexibility while reinforcing federal supremacy over state attempts to interfere with immigration enforcement. The case continues on appeal.