The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has expressed support for a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration against California and Governor Gavin Newsom. The lawsuit challenges two new state laws, SB 627 and SB 805, which are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
SB 627, known as the No Secret Police Act, prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing protective face coverings while on duty. SB 805, referred to as the No Vigilantes Act, requires non-uniformed federal law enforcement officers to display identification openly while working.
According to DHS officials, these measures could put federal agents at risk by making it easier for criminal organizations and extremist groups to identify and target them. Law enforcement operations often involve officers identifying themselves with vests labeled "ICE/ERO" or "Homeland Security," but many also wear masks to protect their identities from being exposed.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated: "The Sanctuary politicians of California want to make it easier for violent political extremists to target our brave men and women of federal law enforcement for enforcing immigration laws and keeping the American people safe. This demonization is going to get somebody killed. Both laws violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which makes it clear that California does not control federal law enforcement. That is why the Trump administration is taking this matter to court and why we look forward to these laws being overturned in due time."
DHS previously called on Governor Newsom to veto SB 627. The department highlighted that these legislative changes come during a period when ICE agents have experienced an increase in threats and assaults.
