Trump Administration tells federal officers to ignore California’s mask ban SB 627

(FOX40.COM) — The Trump Administration announced is ordering federal authorities to ignore new legislation in California that bans law enforcement officers from wearing masks to conceal their identity. 
• Video above: Feds plan to ignore California Mask Law that was signed in September

On Sept. 20, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, that made it a misdemeanor crime for state and federal officials to wear face coverings on the job.

The governor’s order imposes a civil penalty against officers for “tortious conduct.”

On Friday morning, acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli took to social media on X, sharing a statement regarding the Senate Bill 627, which was signed into law on Sept 20 by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Essayli shared the following statement on X:

“Governor Newsom is confused about his role under the U.S. Constitution. He oversees California, not federal agencies. He should review the Supremacy Clause. California’s law to “unmask” federal agents is unconstitutional, as the state lacks jurisdiction to interfere with federal law enforcement. I have directed federal agencies to disregard this state law and adhere to federal law and agency policies.”

Essayli also posted on X the letter sent to Federal Law Enforcement Agency Heads in the Central District of California. The letter states that any officials or individuals who attempt to impede or interfere with operations will be prosecuted by his office, which is a federal office.

Essayli stated in the letter that “this is well-established under the Supremacy Clause that state officials cannot control federal law enforcement actions, and any attempt to do so is considered unconstitutional.”

“I direct Federal Law Enforcement to continue to comply with federal law and follow their agency policies on the appropriateness of wearing masks when conducting federal law enforcement operations.”

FOX40 spoke with Essayli on his stance and he said that this is not how that works.

“They have absolutely no jurisdiction,” Essayli said. “They don’t get to tell us how to do our job. That’s not how this works.”

After signing the bill, Newsom said, “California is putting an end to it and making sure schools and hospitals remain what they should be: places of care, not chaos.”

SB627 is set to go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026.

Down below, a letter sent to the Federal Law Enforcement Agency Heads in the Central District of California by Essayli.