DOJ sues two cities over mask, ID rules

The Justice Department sued St. Paul, Minnesota, and Portland, Oregon, over local rules that restrict face coverings for law enforcement officers and require officers to display identification. The department contends the ordinances unlawfully regulate federal operations under the Constitution's Supremacy Clause. It also says the rules could expose federal officers and their families to harassment or doxxing, endanger officers, and interfere with sensitive investigations. The cities' rules include limited exceptions, including for undercover operations and certain safety circumstances, and violations can carry penalties. The suits ask courts to block enforcement of the rules against federal officers. Contested: none found. The articles in the record do not include responses from either city. What courts will decide, and whether the cities will defend or amend the ordinances, is unresolved.