The Justice Department on Thursday sued Virginia, arguing that the state’s mask ban for federal law enforcement and related identification requirements unconstitutionally interfere with federal officers and criminalize core aspects of federal operations.The lawsuit, which was filed against Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones and Fairfax County prosecutor Steve Descano, challenged provisions that prohibit law enforcement from wearing face coverings and require officers to display individual identifiers. DOJ officials say the law cannot be enforced against federal personnel carrying out official duties. The DOJ has also noted that Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers wearing face masks could protect the officers from threats.Virginia passed the mask ban on May 20, with the measure being bolstered by executive orders preventing ICE arrests on state property and removing requirements for local law enforcement cooperation with ICE officers.
“Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe, and they do not deserve to be doxed or harassed simply for carrying out their duties,” acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement. “Virginia’s anti-law enforcement policies regulate the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand.”
