Maryland Federal Mask Ban Suit

Justice Department Sues Maryland Over Law Prohibiting Masks For Federal Agents

The Justice Department has sued Maryland over a new law that prohibits federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks and requires them to identify themselves while working in the state. The complaint, filed the day the law took effect, alleges that Maryland and two of its largest counties are illegally attempting to regulate federal officers, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, violating the Constitution's Supremacy Clause. The law prohibits federal, state, and local law enforcement 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 verbally identify themselves. Officers who violate these requirements face civil fines of up to $1,500. The Justice Department is challenging similar restrictions in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

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