The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against the state of California, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Attorney General Robert Bonta, challenging two recently enacted state laws known as the “No Secret Police Act” and “No Vigilantes Act.” The federal government argues that these laws are unconstitutional attempts to regulate federal law enforcement officers.
According to the complaint, the Department of Justice asserts that these California laws not only attempt to discriminate against and regulate the federal government but also pose risks to the safety of federal officers. The DOJ alleges that recent months have seen an increase in harassment, doxxing, and violence directed at federal officers. The complaint further claims that prosecuting officers for protecting their identities could hinder federal law enforcement operations and put sensitive activities at risk.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated, "Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe, and they do not deserve to be doxed or harassed simply for carrying out their duties. California’s anti-law enforcement policies discriminate against the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand."
Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division added, "The Department of Justice will steadfastly protect the privacy and safety of law enforcement from unconstitutional state laws like California’s."
First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California commented on recent trends: "Assaults against federal agents have exploded over the last few months, thanks in part to recklessness political rhetoric aiming to delegitimize our brave agents. Unconstitutional laws such as this one further endanger our brave men and women protecting our community. Our immigration enforcement will continue unabated and unhindered by unconstitutional state laws enacted by irresponsible politicians."
On her first day in office, Attorney General Bondi instructed the Civil Division to identify state and local measures that might violate federal law or interfere with lawful federal operations. This lawsuit is described as part of a broader effort by the Civil Division targeting similar policies across other states including New York, New Jersey, and Los Angeles.
