US judge blocks ban on face coverings for federal agents in California

Rome, 10 February (LaPresse/AP) – A federal judge has suspended the implementation of a California law that would have prohibited federal immigration agents from covering their faces during operations. Judge Christina Snyder ruled that the measure discriminates against the federal government because it does not also apply to state police forces. However, the requirement, introduced by a separate law, to wear clearly visible identification with the agency name and badge number remains in force. The mask rule had been challenged by the Trump administration, which sued the state, arguing that the ban would jeopardise the safety of agents exposed to threats and assaults. The judge left open the possibility of a future ban, provided it is extended to all law enforcement agencies, emphasising that federal officers can perform their duties even without their faces covered. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law in September; now a new bill could be introduced to include state police as well.