A federal judge has temporarily blocked a New York law that would have required ICE agents and other federal law enforcement officers to remove face coverings and wear visible identification while carrying out official duties.
U.S. District Judge Mae D’Agostino ruled that New York is likely not allowed to enforce those requirements on federal officers because federal law generally takes precedence over state law. The ruling pauses the law while the legal challenge moves through the courts.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed the measure earlier this year, saying it would improve transparency and help residents identify law enforcement officers during immigration and other federal operations. State officials argued that officers wearing masks without visible identification could create confusion and undermine public trust.
The court’s decision only blocks the identification and face-covering requirements. Another part of the law that prohibits local governments from entering into new cooperation agreements with ICE remains in effect.
New York officials said they are reviewing the ruling and are expected to continue defending the law in court.
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