DOJ sues over Virginia mask ban for federal agents
Source: The Hill
06/12/26 3:37 PM ET
The Department of Justice (DOJ) sued Virginia on Thursday over its new requirements, including a mask ban, for federal agents operating in the commonwealth, alleging the laws are an “unconstitutional attempt to regulate” federal law enforcement operations.
“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 announcing the lawsuit. “Virginia’s anti-law enforcement policies regulate the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents,” Blanche continued. “These laws cannot stand.”
This year, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) has signed several new laws regarding federal law enforcement officers, including identification requirements, and restricting cooperation with local and state law enforcement agencies on immigration operations. The two laws, S.B. 352 and S.B. 783, are set to take effect in July.
The governor cited the Trump administration’s controversial immigration enforcement operations in several states in her decision to back these measures. “Law enforcement officers wearing masks on American streets undercut basic expectations of accountability, sow fear and confusion, and erode the public trust,” Spanberger said in a statement after signing the mask ban into law last month.
Read more: https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5922216-doj-virginia-mask-ban-ice/
Link to SUIT (PDF) - https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1445561/dl?inline=&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
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