TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill has recently signed legislation that limits the face coverings worn by law enforcement officers, including federal agents from ICE, making New Jersey the second state this year to implement such a law.
Washington state’s Democratic governor, Bob Ferguson, enacted a similar law earlier this month. Democratic-led legislatures across the country are considering or have passed analogous measures aimed at regulating mask use by law enforcement.
Sherrill, who took office on January 20, criticized the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement strategies and stated that the new law is aimed at protecting the safety of 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 to be well-trained law enforcement agents, Sherrill expressed during her announcement.
The law stipulates that officers must also present identification before detaining or arresting individuals. Sherrill asserted that these measures are part of a larger legislative package designed to enhance privacy, rights, and trust between communities and law enforcement.
The federal Department of Homeland Security has condemned these laws, labeling them as irresponsible and declaring, we will not abide by this unconstitutional ban. Previously, the department opposed a similar measure in Washington state.
Additionally, the Trump administration has initiated legal actions against New Jersey in response to an executive order by Sherrill that limits federal immigration agents from making arrests in nonpublic areas, including state correctional facilities and courthouses.
