The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against the state of New Jersey, challenging a recently enacted law that prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks during routine operations, arguing that the state does not have the power to regulate federal agents.

The measure, signed into law in March by Gov. Mikie Sherrill, was widely seen as targeting federal immigration officers, particularly those with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who have come under scrutiny for frequently concealing their identities while carrying out enforcement actions.

Opponents of the practice argue that agents use face coverings to avoid being held accountable for forceful enforcement tactics, and warn that masking also makes it easier for civilians to impersonate officers. Federal officials counter that masks are necessary to protect agents, citing what they describe as a growing number of threats against personnel.

“Officers face a choice of whether to unmask and identify themselves when it may be dangerous to themselves, others, and the operation, or face the threat of enforcement,” states the lawsuit. “Either option presents serious risks and harms and purposefully works to chill the enforcement of federal law.”

Under the statute, law enforcement officers at the local, state, and federal levels are generally barred from wearing face coverings during routine duties, though the law provides exemptions for undercover assignments and situations involving credible threats.

In response, state Attorney General Jennifer Davenport defended the law, calling it both lawful and necessary, and vowed to fight the federal challenge.

“The New Jersey Law Enforcement Officer Protection Act protects both law enforcement and the public by limiting the use of masking while including careful exceptions to protect law enforcement safety and operational needs,” Davenport said. “To this day, the Federal Government still cannot explain when its officials need to mask or forgo identification in violation of this law, or why they actually need to do so, particularly given the serious safety concerns inherent in anonymized policing.”

Federal attorneys contend that New Jersey’s statute closely mirrors a similar law in California that was struck down, arguing that it improperly interferes with federal authority. State lawmakers, however, maintain that their version is broader and more carefully structured, applying uniformly to all law enforcement agencies, and therefore stands on firmer legal ground.

They also referenced a prior ruling by a federal appeals court that found New Jersey could not block private prison companies from partnering with the federal government to operate immigration detention facilities.

“New Jersey has steadfastly refused to learn this lesson,” the lawsuit states. “S3114 is even more obviously unconstitutional, as it directly, purposefully, and dangerously regulates all federal law enforcement officers in the performance of their official federal duties. Such blatant disregard for the Constitution is not merely a political statement, but is instead deliberate action that jeopardizes the public safety of all Americans.”

The case, filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in New Jersey, names the state, Sherrill, and Davenport as defendants. The complaint asks the court to strike down the law and prevent the state from enforcing it.

The filing also makes clear that federal authorities do not intend to follow the law, even if it remains in place.

“To be clear, the Federal Government will not comply with this blatantly unconstitutional law,” the complaint states. “But the threat of enforcement by Defendants chills individual officers from protecting themselves and performing their duties. The consequences for public safety are severe.”

The lawsuit marks the latest in a growing series of legal clashes between New Jersey and the Trump administration. The state has taken part in dozens of cases challenging federal policies, while the administration has pursued its own legal actions against the state, including disputes over immigration enforcement and access to voter data.

“New Jersey responded thoughtfully and carefully to these profound public safety concerns, and we look forward to responding in court,” Davenport said. “The Federal Government’s contrary approach will only undermine public trust and accountability, and make it easier for criminals to impersonate our officers.”

{Matzav.com}