MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN — The Justice Department sued Milwaukee on Thursday, seeking to block a city ordinance prohibiting most law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while interacting with the public.
The ordinance applies to local and federal officers, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It also requires officers to display badges or identify their agency and provide identifying information when requested. Exceptions cover undercover work, hazardous conditions, cold weather and specialized protective equipment. Violations can result in fines between $5,000 and $10,000.
The Trump administration argues that applying the ordinance to federal agents violates the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause by allowing a local government to regulate federal operations. The lawsuit also says masks protect agents and their families from harassment, retaliation and public identification.
Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke previously rejected the administration’s demand that the city exempt federal officers. He called the ordinance legal and enforceable and said Milwaukee would prosecute properly cited violations. City officials contend the requirements promote transparency and make it harder for criminals to impersonate officers.
Federal courts have recently blocked or limited comparable restrictions in California and Philadelphia, finding that local governments likely cannot dictate federal officers’ operational practices.
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