Justice Department challenges California mask and ID rules | JQJO

The Justice Department sued California to block two new laws that ban officials from concealing their faces and require nonuniformed federal agents to display identification. The suit argues the measures violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, discriminate against federal officers, and jeopardize their safety; federal agencies say they will not comply. Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office criticized the filing and vowed to fight in court. The laws include exemptions for undercover and SWAT personnel and carry criminal penalties. Police groups and DHS oppose the mask ban, while Democratic senators advanced it after masked immigration enforcement operations.