The Trump administration opened a new legal battle with New Jersey on Wednesday, filing a federal lawsuit aimed at blocking a recently signed state law that restricts law enforcement officers from wearing masks and requires identification before making arrests or detentions.
The case adds to a growing clash between Washington and blue states over immigration enforcement and the powers of federal agents.
Filed in Newark federal court, the complaint contends New Jersey overstepped its authority by imposing state restrictions on federal officers performing official responsibilities.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is asking the court to stop New Jersey from enforcing the law against federal agents.
While the measure applies to state and local officers as well, the dispute centers largely on immigration enforcement operations involving federal personnel.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the DOJ’s Civil Division said the administration intends to defend officers working in the field.
The agency will “steadfastly protect the privacy and safety of law enforcement,” Shumate said in a prepared statement.
According to the complaint, the federal government argues the mask restrictions place officers at greater risk by exposing their identities during enforcement actions.
The lawsuit claims agents face increasing threats of being “doxxed,” harassed, or assaulted when personal information becomes public, according to Newsmax.
Federal officials also argue the law could chill operations by discouraging officers from taking necessary steps to protect themselves while carrying out arrests and detention actions.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D) signed the legislation March 25 alongside two other immigration-related measures.
Those additional laws reinforce state limits on local cooperation with federal immigration authorities and restrict certain state agencies and health facilities from sharing immigration status information, according to Politico.
State officials have defended the mask restrictions as a public safety measure intended to ensure accountability and prevent confusion during enforcement actions.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said the federal government has not justified why officers should be exempt from the law.
“To this day, the federal government still cannot explain when its officials need to mask or forgo identification in violation of this law, or why they actually need to do so, particularly given the serious safety concerns inherent in anonymized policing,” Davenport said.
She added that the state crafted the law carefully in response to concerns over officers operating without visible identification.
“New Jersey responded thoughtfully and carefully to these profound public safety concerns, and we look forward to responding in court,” Davenport said. “The Federal Government’s contrary approach will only undermine public trust and accountability, and make it easier for criminals to impersonate our officers.”
The state law contains exceptions allowing masks in certain cases, including undercover work or situations involving threats of retaliation.
However, federal officials contend the law still creates uncertainty and attempts to place state control over federal personnel.
The dispute mirrors a similar case in California, where a federal judge earlier this year preliminarily blocked enforcement of that state’s mask ban against federal officers.
The latest lawsuit is not the first courtroom clash between the Trump administration and New Jersey.
The DOJ is also challenging another Sherrill administration policy involving limits on federal immigration agents operating on state property.
The case could influence similar disputes in other Democrat-led states that have challenged federal immigration tactics, especially as the Trump administration continues expanding enforcement efforts.
