Newsom has been carefully building up his image. He has his eyes on the White House.
But now Trump’s U.S. Attorney smacked Gavin Newsom with a brutal reality check.
California’s Power Grab: Newsom’s Law Targets Federal Agents
In a bold move that critics argue oversteps constitutional bounds, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a first-of-its-kind law aimed at banning federal law enforcement agents, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, from wearing face masks while on duty in the state.
Newsom heralded the legislation as a necessary step to force ICE agents to “unmask,” dismissing the growing threats against them as he took to the podium earlier this week.
“Enough! ICE, unmask! What are you afraid of?” Newsom demanded, framing the measure as a stand for transparency.
Yet, his rhetoric sidesteps the reality of a staggering increase in assaults and doxxing targeting ICE agents and their families in recent months, raising questions about the law’s true intent.
Federal Defiance: Homeland Security Rejects Newsom’s Mandate
The response from federal authorities was swift and resolute. The Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security issued a statement Monday, unequivocally rejecting compliance with California’s law.
“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 declared.
The statement underscored the heightened risks faced by ICE agents, who rely on masks to shield themselves from retaliatory threats in an increasingly hostile environment. Newsom’s law, critics argue, prioritizes political posturing over the safety of those tasked with upholding federal law.
Constitutional Clarity: Essayli Challenges Newsom’s Authority
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli delivered a pointed rebuke to Newsom’s overreach in a letter addressed to federal law enforcement leaders in California’s Central District on Friday.
Essayli made clear that the governor lacks the authority to dictate the actions of federal agents operating within the 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 law enforcement. I have directed federal agencies to disregard this state law and adhere to federal law and agency policies,” Essayli stated.
His letter reinforces the principle that federal law trumps state mandates, particularly when such laws jeopardize the safety and operational integrity of federal agents. As tensions rise, Essayli’s stance serves as a reminder of the constitutional limits on state power in the face of federal authority.
