A federal judge on Thursday blocked Philadelphia from enforcing a new city law that would have prohibited federal law enforcement agents from wearing masks. U.S. District Judge Chad Kenney, at the request of the Trump administration, issued a preliminary injunction barring Philadelphia from enforcing key provisions of the law against federal officers before they are scheduled to take effect.

Background

Philadelphia’s mask ban was enacted earlier this year as part of a larger “ICE Out” legislative package passed by the Philadelphia City Council. The law would bar officers from wearing masks or concealing identifying information, require visible badges and marked vehicles, and expose officers to civil and criminal penalties.

The Trump administration contended the forced disclosure of officers’ identities could endanger agents, undermine undercover operations, and interfere with investigations. Philadelphia said there were exceptions in the law that would allow officers on surveillance and undercover operations to wear masks.

Implications

The lawsuit is part of a growing legal fight over efforts by states and cities to restrict the use of masks by federal officers, particularly those involved in immigration enforcement operations that have drawn criticism from local officials and immigrant rights advocates.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.