Judge Mae D’Agostino rules that New York cannot ban federal agents from wearing face coverings or requiring visible identification.
U.S. District Judge Mae D’Agostino ruled Monday that New York cannot prohibit federal agents from wearing face coverings or requiring visible identification. The decision clarifies that while the state's goal of transparent policing is well-intentioned, the court's primary focus is on constitutionality rather than policy preference. The ruling follows a similar decision earlier this year that blocked a similar law in California, which was enacted after the administration aggressively worked to increase immigration arrests. New York’s face coverings and identification measures took effect in June as part of a state budget bill signed by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. Attorney General Letitia James stated that the state stands firm in its belief that masked agents do not make the city safer and is reviewing legal options. The federal government argues that these state-led measures violate the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prevents state governments from regulating federal law enforcement. This ruling may have national implications for other states attempting to restrict immigration agents.