Justice Department sues New Jersey over police mask ban and ID law
The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, challenges a measure signed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill that bans most officers from wearing masks and requires them to identify themselves before making arrests.
The New Jersey measure is part of a larger push by states, including New York and California, to challenge the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies.
Sherrill signed the package of bills into law in March, setting several limits on how state and local authorities interact with federal immigration enforcement, including restricting the sharing of certain personal data and limiting when officers can ask about immigration status.
Federal officials argued that the move is unconstitutional and interferes with federal law enforcement operations. In the complaint, the Justice Department says the law could expose officers to harassment and hinder investigations.
"The Department of Justice will steadfastly protect the privacy and safety of law enforcement from unconstitutional state laws like New Jersey's," said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department's Civil Division.
The lawsuit names the state of New Jersey, Sherrill and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport as defendants.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport defended the law and pushed back on 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 in a statement.
Davenport continued, "The Federal Government's contrary approach will only undermine public trust and accountability, and make it easier for criminals to impersonate our officers."
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