Newsom is playing a risky game.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is facing a major legal showdown with the Trump administration after signing a radical new law that could block federal immigration enforcement officers from doing their jobs safely.
Over the weekend, Newsom signed a bill banning both state and federal law enforcement agents from wearing masks or face coverings while on duty. The law, set to take effect in January, is already sparking outrage nationwide.
“We don’t need to abide by this garbage,” a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said, blasting Newsom’s move as illegal and dangerous.
Trump Officials Fire Back
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, a top Trump ally in California, appeared on Fox & Friends Monday morning and vowed to defeat Newsom’s unconstitutional law.
“California does not and cannot have jurisdiction over federal officers,” Essayli declared. “If the governor wants to fight this, he’ll have to run to a judge — but we are fully prepared to win.”
Essayli accused Newsom of playing politics with public safety, calling the law a reckless stunt designed to inflame anti-ICE sentiment.
“There’s this false narrative that people are being kidnapped by ICE agents. It’s simply not true,” he said. “These are federal officers enforcing federal law. If Newsom doesn’t like it, he should work to change the law — not undermine it.”
Newsom’s War on ICE
Newsom defended his decision by attacking ICE agents, accusing them of using “secret police tactics” during immigration raids.
“Unmarked cars, people in masks, people literally disappearing — no due process, no rights,” Newsom claimed. “This bill says, ‘Enough! ICE, unmask yourselves. What are you afraid of?’”
But critics argue Newsom’s rhetoric is misleading and dangerous, especially as California faces a worsening crime and illegal immigration crisis.
The Supreme Court recently cleared the way for ICE to continue operations at farms, car washes, and other businesses suspected of employing illegal immigrants. However, the Court did not address officer safety protocols, including the use of masks or neck gaiters to protect federal agents from being identified and targeted.
Legal Experts Say Newsom Will Lose
Legal scholars say Newsom’s bill is on shaky constitutional ground and will almost certainly be struck down.
Attorney Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, told Fox News Digital the law directly disobeys the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which forces that federal law overtakes state law.
“States can impose reasonable restrictions like traffic rules,” Rahmani explained. “But they cannot interfere with core federal functions like immigration enforcement — especially when it comes to officer safety.”
Rahmani warned that unmasking ICE agents could expose them and their families to threats and violence, a growing problem as anti-police sentiment rises across California.
Trump Administration Prepares Next Move
With tensions escalating, Trump administration officials are exploring legal action — and some conservatives are calling for criminal charges against Newsom for obstructing federal law enforcement.
This battle is just the latest example of California defying Trump’s immigration policies, from sanctuary city protections to lawsuits attempting to block border security efforts.
For millions of Americans worried about illegal immigration, border security, and rising crime, this fight highlights why Trump’s tough law-and-order agenda remains critical.
The Bottom Line
Governor Newsom’s anti-ICE law is setting up a historic legal clash between California and the Trump administration.
Legal experts predict the courts will side with Trump, but if Newsom continues to defy federal authority, he could face serious consequences — possibly even jail time.
Stay tuned: This battle could reshape the future of immigration enforcement in America.
