Let me tell you something that’ll save you a lot of headache, heartburn, and BS fatigue: When a politician opens his mouth and sounds real sure of himself…
That’s when you double-check his facts.
This week’s shining example? California State Senator Scott Wiener. He proudly declared:
“State law most certainly does apply to federal agents.”
And if you dared to disagree? Well, according to him, you’re guilty of “legal malpractice.”
Sounds tough, right? Bold. Heroic even. Now here’s the problem…
He’s wrong.
State Power on Steroids
Here’s what Wiener wants you to believe:
That your state – whether it’s California, Nevada, or any other – can tell federal agents how to dress, how to operate, and what laws they have to obey.
He even wrote a bill banning ALL law enforcement (local, state, and federal) from wearing face coverings in California.
Sounds like a power move. Until you remember one little thing…
It’s called the Constitution.
Why It’s Total Nonsense
Now I don’t expect every voter to be a constitutional scholar. But I do expect our lawmakers not to spit in the face of 200+ years of legal precedent.
The U.S. Constitution, Article VI – aka the Supremacy Clause – says this plain and simple:
Federal law trumps state law when they clash. Every time.
This isn’t a gray area. It’s black-letter law.
If a federal agent is performing federal duties, a state lawmaker doesn’t get to walk in and say, “Actually, I don’t like your outfit. Take off that mask.”
Courtrooms, Not Twitter, Decide the Law
Here’s what Wiener left out of his tough talk:
- States CANNOT regulate how federal officers do their jobs when those jobs are under federal authority. Period.
- The Department of Homeland Security told him this law was “despicable” and would never stand.
- Courts have slapped down state laws that try to mess with federal operations before – and they’ll do it again.
But liberals like Wiener love the optics. They want you to think they’re standing up to Big Bad Feds.
Truth is, it’s all for show. Theater. And you’re the one left holding the bill when it flops in court.
Conservatives are all for states’ rights. We believe in local control, limited government, and the rule of law. But that doesn’t mean we pretend the Constitution doesn’t exist.
If a state wants to pass a law that actually works, great. But don’t sell us snake oil dressed up as legal authority.
Don’t shout about “power” you don’t have just to score a headline on MSNBC.
And don’t insult our intelligence by pretending federal agents can be bossed around by state politicians playing cowboy.
Protecting Taxpayers from Political Stunts
If you’re in Nevada and think this is just a California circus, think again.
Our lawmakers are watching. Our tax dollars are just as vulnerable to this kind of “look tough, do nothing” nonsense.
If Nevada tries the same stunt – trying to regulate federal agents doing their job – you better believe it’ll fail. And it won’t be the politicians who pay for it. It’ll be you and me.
The lawsuits. The court losses. The confusion. The cost. All because someone wanted to look good on Twitter.
So the next time you hear a liberal say, “State law applies to federal agents!” ask them this: Can I write a ticket to the FBI next time they drive through my town?
Didn’t think so.
The truth is simple. The Constitution isn’t a suggestion. And state power isn’t a magic wand.
So here’s your takeaway: Don’t let loudmouths in suits sell you fairy tales dressed up as law.
You’ve got rights. You’ve got brains. Use both.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
