Feds ask judge to reject NJ law restricting ICE agents from wearing masks

Filed 58m ago · Via Florida Phoenix · The Buffoon Desk

THIS STORY IS SCORED

Covert Affair

Kevin MacLeod · incompetech.com · CC BY 4.0

Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author or not provided · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons

The Justice Department is asking a federal judge to strike down a New Jersey law limiting when law enforcement can wear masks, arguing the state cannot dictate how federal agents identify themselves during operations. The law, signed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill in March, applies uniformly to federal, state and local officers and includes exceptions for cold weather and undercover work.

New Jersey argues masked, unidentified ICE agents have fueled a rise in law enforcement impersonation, including kidnappings, and that the federal government hasn't cited a single case where the law actually blocked a needed operation. The DOJ's own filing concedes the point isn't hypothetical: agents 'have and will continue to wear masks' regardless of the statute.

A federal judge in New York already sided with the administration on a similar law last month, ruling it likely violates the supremacy clause.

The full dispatch is available from the source below.

✒ FROM THE EDITORIAL DESK

Telling a judge you're going to keep breaking a rule while also arguing the rule doesn't apply to you is a bold two-step. New Jersey didn't ask for identification badges with home addresses, just enough to tell a real officer from a guy in a mask. When the government's own brief admits its agents plan to ignore the law regardless of the ruling, that's not a legal argument, that's a heads-up.

Source: Read the original at Florida Phoenix → Scored: Covert Affair · Kevin MacLeod · CC BY 4.0

Read it scored.

Every story, every clown, every kazoo — in your pocket. Music plays automatically. Regret is optional.

GET IT ON iOS GET IT ON ANDROID

OR FOLLOW THE DESK ON BLUESKY →