New Jersey Governor Signs Bill Restricting Face Coverings for Law Enforcement

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill (D) enacted a law on Wednesday that restricts the use of face coverings by law enforcement officers, including federal ICE agents.

This legislation mandates that police personnel present identification before detaining individuals. It comes after reports of federal agents obscuring their identities during raids on immigrant communities across the country.

Sherrill, who took office in January, expressed that these mask restrictions are aimed at ensuring safety for New Jersey residents. “I can’t believe I have to say this, but the United States will not tolerate masked militias wandering around pretending to be well-trained law enforcement officers,” she stated.

The new law is part of a broader initiative to “protect people’s privacy and rights” and aims to “strengthen trust between law enforcement and communities.”

Democratic lawmakers at both the federal and state levels have been advocating for similar measures to ensure immigration officials do not conceal their identities, arguing that transparency is crucial in these operations.

Earlier this month, Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson of Washington also signed a law limiting face coverings for ICE officers.

In response to these legislative efforts, the Department of Homeland Security criticized attempts to unmask ICE agents, labeling Washington state’s recent actions as “irresponsible, reckless and dangerous.”

“To be clear, we will not comply with this unconstitutional ban,” the department asserted at the time.

Sherrill’s signing of this bill coincides with her ongoing efforts to challenge the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Earlier this year, she announced a platform for residents to upload images and videos of ICE agents conducting immigration enforcement.

“If you see an ICE agent on the street, pull out your cell phone. We want to know,” she urged. “They don’t come proactively. They pick up people, but they don’t tell us who they are, they don’t tell us if they’re here legally. They pick up American citizens, even children as young as five. We need documentation, and we’re going to ensure we get it.”

Sherrill remarked on witnessing law enforcement officers operating without masks and badges, stating that they were effectively avoiding accountability and undermining public safety.

The Trump administration is currently suing New Jersey over Sherrill’s executive order from last month, which banned federal immigration agents from making arrests in nonpublic areas of federal land, like correctional facilities and courthouses. This executive order also obstructs the use of state land for immigration enforcement purposes.