The U.S. Department of Justice sued New Jersey over legislation enacted last month prohibiting both local and federal law enforcement officers, including immigration agents, from wearing masks during interactions with the public. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Newark federal court, names the state, Governor Mikie Sherrill, and Attorney General Jennifer Davenport as defendants.
The Trump administration characterized the law as an "unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers." In a statement, Brett A. Shumate, assistant U.S. Attorney General in the Justice Department's Civil Division, said the department would "steadfastly protect the privacy and safety of law enforcement from unconstitutional state laws like New Jersey's."
The suit contends the law endangers federal officers who have reportedly experienced harassment, doxing, and violence. The government asserts in the filing that it will not comply with what it calls a "blatantly unconstitutional law," and argues that even the threat of enforcement discourages individual officers from protecting themselves and performing their duties. The administration seeks a court declaration invalidating the law and an injunction preventing New Jersey from enforcing it.
New Jersey's Attorney General Davenport defended the measure, saying the state looks forward to responding in court. She characterized the law as protecting 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 challenged the federal government's rationale, stating it has failed to explain when officials need to mask or avoid identification, or why such measures are necessary given public safety concerns. She argued that the federal approach undermines accountability and could enable criminals to impersonate officers.
The lawsuit reflects escalating conflict between the Trump administration and New Jersey Democrats over immigration enforcement in the state. The law builds on previous state action, including an executive order signed by Governor Sherrill blocking ICE from using state property and litigation to prevent a detention facility in Roxbury from being constructed. The Trump administration has also sued over the governor's executive order.
