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Ninth Circuit blocks California law requiring federal agents to show ID
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has issued a unanimous ruling blocking California’s “No Vigilantes Act,” which sought to require non-uniformed federal immigration agents to display identification during operations. The court determined that the state law violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, asserting that states cannot directly regulate the performance of federal governmental functions without congressional authorization.
In a separate legal development, California Attorney General Rob Bonta filed the state’s 100th lawsuit against the federal government since 2025. This specific challenge targets U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for conducting civil immigration enforcement actions at or near state courthouses. Bonta argues that these arrests create a “chilling effect” that deters witnesses and victims from participating in the judicial process, thereby undermining public safety and state sovereignty.
Data cited in the litigation indicates a significant increase in ICE arrests at courthouses, with the state reporting that monthly arrests spiked by more than 550% following policy changes in mid-2025. While California officials maintain these actions are unconstitutional, the White House has defended the legality of the enforcement practices.
Entities
California · Donald Trump · Gavin Newsom · Immigration and Customs Enforcement · Mark J. Bennett · Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals · Rob Bonta · U.S. Department of Justice · U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The No Vigilantes Act required non-uniformed federal officers to display their agency and a name or badge number. 100percentfedup.com · jovempan.com.br · www.lifezette.com · freerepublic.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] ICE detained 34 people at state courthouses in June 2026 and 28 people in July 2026. www.rwcpulse.com · laist.com · www.paloaltoonline.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The court found the Trump administration was certain to succeed in its lawsuit against California. 100percentfedup.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] Attorney General Rob Bonta filed California’s 100th lawsuit against the federal government. www.rwcpulse.com · themercury.com · www.breitbart.com · laist.com · www.paloaltoonline.com · +1 more
- [● 4 SOURCES] The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that California’s No Vigilantes Act violates the Supremacy Clause. 100percentfedup.com · www.lifezette.com · www.theblaze.com · nypost.com