DOJ Sues Denver Over ICE Mask Ban

The Justice Department has sued Denver, Mayor Mike Johnston and other city officials to block an ordinance barring law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings during arrests and detentions and requiring visible identification. The DOJ argues the measure violates the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause by regulating federal operations, and says it could expose federal officers to harassment and compromise their safety and work. Denver says the ordinance is a transparency and accountability measure and plans to defend it; unlike some similar laws, it applies to all law enforcement, though the DOJ argues its intent is to target federal officers. The case joins broader legal disputes over local restrictions on masked federal agents, with judges having blocked similar measures in several jurisdictions. A federal judge will determine whether Denver can enforce its requirements against federal officers.