Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli responded to a law passed in California that seeks to ban federal law enforcement agents — specifically Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents — from wearing masks that cover their faces while they are working in California.
Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA), earlier in the week, touted his “first in the nation” law that he said would force ICE agents to “unmask” despite the exponential increase in threats and attacks on ICE agents in recent months.
“Enough! ICE, unmask! What are you afraid of?” Newsom asked at a press conference. “What are you afraid of?”
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The Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security begged to differ, saying in a statement on Monday that ICE agents would not be complying with Newsom’s law and citing the increased risks of threats against them and their families.
“To be clear: We will NOT comply with Gavin Newsom’s unconstitutional mask ban. At a time that ICE law enforcement faces a 1,000% increase in assaults and their family members are being doxxed and targeted, the sitting Governor of California signed unconstitutional legislation that strips law enforcement of protections in a disgusting, diabolical fundraising and PR stunt,” she said.
To be clear: We will NOT comply with Gavin Newsom’s unconstitutional mask ban.
At a time that ICE law enforcement faces a 1,000% increase in assaults and their family members are being doxxed and targeted, the sitting Governor of California signed unconstitutional legislation… pic.twitter.com/8Me4OOP8t8
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) September 22, 2025
Essayli followed on Friday with a letter — addressed to federal law enforcement heads in the Central District of California — in which he stated that Newsom, as governor of California, did not have the authority to direct the actions of federal law enforcement agents, even if they were operating within his state.
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… pic.twitter.com/9ZWlFRxHMi
— Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli (@USAttyEssayli) September 26, 2025
“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 said.