TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Democratic Governor Mikie Sherrill signed legislation on Wednesday that limits the use of face coverings by law enforcement, including federal ICE agents, making New Jersey the second state this year to implement such a law.
Washington state’s Democratic governor, Bob Ferguson, signed a similar law earlier this month as Democratic-led legislatures in other states are also considering comparable restrictions.
Sherrill, who took office on January 20, has been critical of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. She stated that the recent anti-mask provision is part of a comprehensive effort to enhance 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 remarked. The new law also mandates that officers must present identification before arresting or detaining individuals.
This mask measure is a component of a larger set of bills designed to protect privacy and rights, as well as to strengthen trust between law enforcement and communities.
A message was left seeking comment from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which has previously condemned similar state measures as “irresponsible, reckless, and dangerous.” The department has been clear in its stance against what it calls unconstitutional bans.
The Trump administration is already suing New Jersey over measures Sherrill implemented on February 11. These include prohibitions against federal immigration agents making arrests in nonpublic areas of state property, such as correctional facilities and courthouses, and the use of state property as staging or processing areas for immigration enforcement.
