New Jersey Lawmakers Propose $1,000 Fine for ICE Agents Wearing Masks
TRENTON, N.J. – A new legislative proposal in New Jersey aims to prohibit federal immigration agents and other law enforcement officers from concealing their faces while engaging with the public, setting up a potential legal clash between state officials and the Department of Homeland Security.
Under the proposed measure, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents who wear masks during non-undercover operations could face a disorderly persons offense. The penalty carries a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000 and a potential jail sentence of up to six months.
The legislation has garnered bipartisan support in the State Senate. Republican State Sen. Jon Bramnick joined Democratic Senators Vin Gopal and Benjie Wimberly in sponsoring the bill, arguing that the measure is necessary to ensure accountability and maintain public trust.
“This legislation is not about hindering law enforcement from doing its job,” Sen. Bramnick said in a statement. “It is about reinforcing trust, clarity, and professionalism while allowing for reasonable exceptions when safety or sensitive operations truly require them.”
Supporters of the bill cite growing concerns over transparency during immigration enforcement operations. Proponents argue that masked agents can cause confusion and fear in communities, making it difficult for residents to distinguish between legitimate law enforcement officers and potential impersonators.
“We need to know who is on our streets here in New Jersey,” said Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, who voiced support for similar transparency measures during her campaign.
The proposal includes specific exemptions. Officers would still be permitted to wear masks if they are working undercover, if the face covering is part of protective equipment required for hazardous conditions (such as smoke or chemical exposure), or if they have a medical necessity verified by a physician.
However, the proposal faces significant opposition from federal authorities. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials have previously described similar state-level attempts to regulate federal agents as unconstitutional, citing the Supremacy Clause, which generally prevents states from interfering with federal operations.
Legal experts suggest that if the bill is signed into law, it will likely face an immediate challenge in federal court. A similar measure recently enacted in California, known as the “No Secret Police Act,” has already been the subject of litigation, with federal judges scrutinizing whether a state can dictate the dress code and operational protocols of federal agents.
Despite the looming legal hurdles, New Jersey lawmakers are pressing forward, driven by what they describe as an urgent need to protect residents from unaccountable policing tactics. The bill is currently under consideration in the State Senate, where it must clear committee votes before reaching the floor for a full vote.
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