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New Jersey is the latest state to limit when law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, can wear face coverings<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n TRENTON, N.J. — <\/span>Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed legislation Wednesday limiting face coverings worn by law enforcement, including federal ICE agents, making New Jersey the second state this year to enact such a law.<\/p>\n Washington state\u2019s Democratic governor, Bob Ferguson, signed a similar law earlier this month while Democratic-led legislatures in other states<\/a> have passed or are considering such restrictions as well. <\/p>\n Sherrill, who took office<\/a> Jan. 20, has been critical of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement efforts and said Wednesday the anti-mask provision is part of a multipronged effort to keep the residents of New Jersey safe.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe we have to say this, but in the United States of America, we\u2019re not going to tolerate masked roving militias pretending, pretending to be well-trained law enforcement agents,\u201d she said. The new law also requires officers to present identification prior to arresting or detaining someone.<\/p>\n The mask measure is part of a package of bills Sherrill said will \u201cprotect people\u2019s privacy and their rights\u201d and \u201cstrengthen trust between law enforcement and our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n A message was left seeking comment with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The agency previously denounced the new Washington state measure as \u201cirresponsible, reckless and dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo be crystal clear: we will not abide by this unconstitutional ban,\u201d the department said in a statement at the time.<\/p>\n