Gov. Mikie Sherrill signs law banning police, ICE face coverings; requires officers to show ID

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed legislation on March 25, 2026, to limit the use of face coverings by law enforcement, including federal ICE agents, and to require officers to identify themselves before arresting or detaining someone.

The law is part of a package Sherrill says will 'protect people’s privacy and their rights' and 'strengthen trust between law enforcement and our communities.'

Fox News

The governor framed the move as a measure against masked roving militias posing as law enforcement.

New Jersey became the second state this year to pass such a measure, following Washington state earlier this month.

The federal response was swift, with DHS criticizing the move and saying they will not abide by it.

A DHS spokesperson called the move 'irresponsible, reckless and dangerous' and said, 'To be crystal clear: we will not abide by this unconstitutional ban.'

NBC10 Philadelphia

NBC10 Philadelphia noted that ICE officers wear face coverings to protect themselves and their families from real-world threats, including agitators, and that exposing agents’ identities could endanger them.

NBC10 also quoted officials saying that public databases and lists have been created to reveal officers’ identities.

Fox News noted that the Trump administration is suing New Jersey over Sherrill's executive order barring federal immigration arrests in nonpublic state areas.

Washington state’s action appears prominently in coverage as a precedent for New Jersey, with outlets noting Washington’s governor signed a similar law earlier this month and that New Jersey is the second state to enact such restrictions.

The Washington move is cited as part of a broader trend, with some states considering similar measures and others tracking the legislative activity.

The NBC10 coverage highlights that more than a dozen states are considering such measures, underscoring the national dimension of the policy debate.

Sherrill framed the policy as protecting privacy and strengthening community trust, while DHS officials argued masks are about officer safety and that revealing identities could put them at risk.

The law requires officers to identify themselves before detentions or arrests, and it is being pursued alongside a broader push in several states to place limits on how federal agents operate in state spaces.

Fox News

Coverage from Fox News, NBC10 Philadelphia, and Newsday emphasizes the political and safety dimensions of the measure, including the federal lawsuit and the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement.