The U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit Thursday against the State of Maryland, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County and state officials challenging laws that restrict federal law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings and require officers to display identification.
The lawsuit challenges Maryland Senate Bill 1, which took effect Thursday, October 1, as well as similar laws enacted in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Maryland’s law requires the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission to establish policies restricting face coverings and requiring identification for law enforcement officers.
Montgomery County’s law, known as the Unmask ICE Act, was signed into law April 28 and took effect May 7. It prohibits federal, state and local law enforcement officers from wearing masks or facial coverings while on duty in the county, with certain exceptions, and requires officers to wear identification. The County Council approved the legislation unanimously.
The Justice Department argues that the state and county laws violate the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause by attempting to regulate how federal law enforcement officers perform their duties. The department also argues that the restrictions could endanger federal officers and interfere with federal law enforcement operations.
The lawsuit asks the federal court to block enforcement of the requirements against federal law enforcement officers.
