NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill signs law banning ICE agents, police from wearing masks
NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- ICE agents and police are now banned from wearing masks on the job in New Jersey after the governor signed three new laws on Wednesday in response to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown.
A standoff is brewing between the state of New Jersey and the federal government over ICE agents wearing masks during immigration enforcement operations. Some Republicans argue the new law violates the agents' rights.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a bill on Wednesday requiring law enforcement to reveal their facial identity during certain public interactions, including those with immigrant populations.
"I can't believe we have to say this, but in the United States of America, we're not going to tolerate masked, roving militias pretending to be well-trained law enforcement agents," Sherrill said.
Surrounded by leaders in the Assembly and Senate, Sherrill moved to stand with immigrant families and protect their rights.
She also signed bills to build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities and to protect the collection and sharing of personal information.
"New Jersey is a highly immigrant community, and so we need to have more support in the local government and the state government, because now we don't have the support from the federal government," said Itzel Hernandez with the American Friends Service Committee.
ICE agents have moved through immigrant communities, leaving residents afraid to go outside.
Supporters of immigrant rights have been on the forefront of this battle and say this is an historic day.
"New Jersey a highly immigrant community so we need to have more support local government and state government because now we don't have the support of the federal government," said Elizabeth Chabla with Make the Road New Jersey.
The deputy mayor of Red Bank has been pushing for these safeguards for members of her community.
"All of the residents that I communicate with have expressed that they will feel safer when there are not masks on federal agents on our streets in Red Bank because they are on our streets in Red Bank, this is a local issue," said Red Bank Deputy Mayor Kate Triggiano.
The bill allows exceptions for undercover work and officers facing threats of retaliation.
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