DOJ Lawsuit Against Maryland Insists that Unaccountable ICE Race Soldiers be Allowed to Wear Masks and Conceal Their Identify from the Public

The U.S. Department of Justice sued Maryland and two of its largest counties Thursday, challenging state and local laws that restrict all law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing masks, and require them to identify themselves in certain circumstances.

The lawsuit names Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, Prince George’s County and Montgomery County. The department contends the laws unconstitutionally interfere with the federal government’s authority over its law enforcement officers.

The mask provision was part of legislation that passed the General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session. The measure generally bars law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while on duty, with exceptions for undercover work and health or religious reasons. Brown’s office warned in February that applying the law to federal agents, including ICE officers, could raise constitutional concerns.

The state law took effect Thursday. Prince George’s County passed emergency legislation in April. Montgomery County’s ban took effect in May.

The Justice Department argues that the supremacy clause of the U.S. Constitution prevents states and local governments from regulating the federal government. The department also argues that the requirements put federal officers at risk amid what the department describes as an increase in harassment, doxing and violence against federal law enforcement personnel. [MORE]