The Justice Department sued Maryland on Thursday over a new law barring federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks and requiring them to identify themselves while working in the Old Line State. The complaint, filed the same day the law took effect, argues that Maryland and two of its largest counties are illegally attempting to…
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The Justice Department sued Maryland on Thursday over a new law barring federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks and requiring them to identify themselves while working in the Old Line State.
The complaint, filed the same day the law took effect, argues that Maryland and two of its largest counties are illegally attempting to regulate federal officers, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, are therefore violating the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.
The new state law prohibits federal, state and local law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while on duty, with exceptions for certain operations and protective equipment.
It also requires officers to display identification on the outermost layer of their clothing and, when asked, verbally identify themselves.
Officers who violate either requirement can face civil fines of up to $1,500, according to the complaint.
The Justice Department is challenging similar restrictions in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Prince George’s County’s law carries steeper penalties, allowing officers who violate its requirements to face a misdemeanor charge, up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
“The Federal Government, not state and local governments, gets to decide which equipment federal officers may or may not wear when performing their official duties,” Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate said Thursday.
The department argued masks and limits on displaying officers’ personal identities can protect federal agents from harassment and doxing, and prevent suspects from identifying officers involved in future enforcement operations.
The complaint cites several incidents involving federal officers in Maryland, including an August case in which a Baltimore-area deportation officer and the officer’s spouse were doxed online.
The administration made clear in the complaint that it does not intend to follow the restrictions.
“Federal law enforcement agents and officers cannot and will not comply with the Challenged Laws, which are unconstitutional and recklessly disregard officer safety, public safety, and federal operational needs,” DOJ attorneys write.
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