9th Circuit Sides with Trump Administration on Federal Law Enforcement ID Rules

The Trump administration achieved a legal win when the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, known for its liberal leanings, temporarily blocked a part of a California law. This law required federal law enforcement officers in plain clothes to display their identification and badges during operations.

The court found that the Trump administration was “certain to succeed” in challenging California’s No Vigilantes Act. This act’s ID requirement conflicted with the Constitution’s supremacy clause, which prioritizes federal law over state law. The panel stated that Section 10 of the act improperly overrides federal authority on the public identification of officers.

This ruling represents a significant setback for California’s Democratic Governor, Gavin Newsom. Newsom, who is often mentioned as a potential 2028 presidential candidate, has been a vocal critic of Trump’s immigration policies. He facilitated laws aimed at protecting immigrant communities and limiting federal enforcement within the state.

“Section 10 explicitly overrides the federal government’s power to determine whether, how, and when to publicly identify its officers.” – 9th Circuit Court Panel

The federal court’s decision comes after multiple legal clashes with the Trump administration over immigration policies. In past instances, the court blocked efforts like withholding federal funds from sanctuary cities and attempts to tighten asylum eligibility.

The Trump administration filed a lawsuit against California over provisions within the No Vigilantes Act and the No Secret Police Act. While Judge Christina Snyder initially blocked face-covering restrictions for federal officers, she did not block the ID requirements.

California defended its law by arguing it didn’t unconstitutionally regulate the federal government. However, the appeals court rejected this, stating the state never held authority to directly regulate federal officials. Whether or not it posed a substantial burden was irrelevant according to the court.

The decision received praise from Trump administration officials. Brett Shumate, an assistant attorney general in the Justice Department, was among those who responded positively.

Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, Jr. remarked that the decision was a victory for law enforcement safety and maintaining immigration law enforcement as authorized by Congress.

“California cannot regulate how Federal law enforcement officers carry out their jobs authorized by Congress.” – Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward, Jr.

As of this writing, Fox News Digital reached out to Governor Newsom’s office for comments. Meanwhile, Elaine Mallon, a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business, continues to cover national politics.