The lawsuit argues that the new measure is unconstitutional and puts agents in danger.
The Trump administration filed a lawsuit on Monday against Governor Gavin Newsom over a law he signed in September banning federal agents from wearing masks. Seemingly in response to the president’s immigration crackdown this year.
The lawsuit claims the mask ban and companion measure requiring agents to wear identification are unconstitutional. Specifically, the states do not have the power to regulate federal agencies. With a policy that they claim puts federal agents in danger.
“The laws threaten the safety of federal officers who have faced an unprecedent wave of harassment, doxxing, and even violence” – statement by the US Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs.
The lawsuit says federal law enforcement agencies will not comply with the pair of state laws going into effect Jan. 1, and asks the court to strike them down.
“California’s anti-law enforcement policies discriminate against the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement.
Many argue that the ban on masking measures is constitutional, as there are other state laws that federal agents are required to follow. For example, they have to follow speed limits, which are regulated by local law enforcement.
Several states have considered a ban on masking by immigration agents, but California was the first to pass one into law. This comes as a response to the sharp increase in ICE presence and raids in many areas.
“If the Trump administration cared half as much about public safety as it does about pardoning cop-beaters, violating people’s rights, and detaining U.S. citizens and their kids, our communities would be much safer,” Izzy Gardon, a spokesman for Mr. Newsom, said in a statement.
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Tara Nguyen
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