Story perspectives

Ninth Circuit Permanently Blocks California ICE Agent ID Law

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 3:03 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals permanently blocked California's No Vigilantes Act identification requirement for ICE agents.
Panel led by Judge Mark J. Bennett ruled the law violates the Constitution's Supremacy Clause.
Decision reversed a lower-court ruling that had allowed the identification provision to proceed.
Justice Department sued California claiming the state lacks authority to regulate federal officers.

History

Historical Context

In 1819, the Supreme Court’s McCulloch v. Maryland decision affirmed federal supremacy over state legislation, rejecting Maryland’s tax on the national bank. Chief Justice John Marshall authored the 7-2 opinion, emphasizing that states cannot impede constitutional powers granted to federal agencies. The Ninth Circuit’s 2024 injunction against California’s No Vigilantes Act mirrors that precedent, with Judge Mark J. Bennett ruling the identification mandate violates the Supremacy Clause. Consequently, the Justice Department’s lawsuit reinforces federal authority, signaling that future state attempts to regulate ICE officers will likely face similar judicial rebuff.

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Story summary

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals permanently blocked California's No Vigilantes Act identification requirement for ICE agents.
Panel led by Judge Mark J. Bennett ruled the law violates the Constitution's Supremacy Clause.
Decision reversed a lower-court ruling that had allowed the identification provision to proceed.
Justice Department sued California claiming the state lacks authority to regulate federal officers.

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