New Jersey Governor Bans Face Masks for Law Enforcement Officers Including ICE

New Jersey's Democratic Governor Mikie Sherrill has enacted legislation prohibiting law enforcement officers, including federal ICE agents, from wearing face coverings while on duty. The measure also mandates that officers show identification before making arrests or detaining individuals.

TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey’s Democratic Governor Mikie Sherrill put her signature on new legislation Wednesday that prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing face masks while performing their duties, specifically targeting federal immigration enforcement agents among others.

This makes New Jersey the second state in recent weeks to pass such restrictions, following Washington state where Democratic Governor Bob Ferguson enacted similar legislation earlier this month. Multiple Democratic-controlled state legislatures across the country are either considering or have already approved comparable measures.

Since taking office on January 20th, Sherrill has openly opposed the Trump administration’s approach to immigration enforcement. On Wednesday, she described the face covering ban as one component of a broader strategy designed to protect New Jersey residents.

“I can’t believe we have to say this, but in the United States of America, we’re not going to tolerate masked roving militias pretending, pretending to be well-trained law enforcement agents,” she said. The legislation also mandates that officers must show proper identification before conducting arrests or detaining individuals.

According to Sherrill, the face covering restriction represents one element of a broader legislative package designed to “protect people’s privacy and their rights” and “strengthen trust between law enforcement and our communities.”

Officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding New Jersey’s new law. However, the agency previously criticized Washington state’s similar measure, calling it “irresponsible, reckless and dangerous.”

“To be crystal clear: we will not abide by this unconstitutional ban,” the department said in a statement at the time.

The federal government has already filed a lawsuit against New Jersey challenging Sherrill’s February 11th executive order, which prevents federal immigration agents from conducting arrests in restricted areas of state facilities like jails and courthouses. That order also prohibits using state property for immigration enforcement staging or processing operations.