Justice Department Sues Denver Over Law Enforcement Mask Ban
The U.S. Department of Justice sued Denver to overturn a city ordinance banning law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings during arrests and detentions.
The United States Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit on Thursday against the city and county of Denver and Mayor Mike Johnston to overturn a city ordinance banning law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings. Passed unanimously by the City Council in February 2026 and signed into law in March, the ordinance requires officers—including federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement—to display visible identification during arrests, detentions, and while inside city facilities. Violators face up to 300 days in jail and fines reported as either $99 or $999.
Federal prosecutors argue the ban violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, asserting that local governments lack the authority to regulate the federal government. The Justice Department further claims the law endangers officers by exposing them to doxxing, harassment, and violence, particularly amid tensions surrounding federal mass deportation campaigns. This action is part of a broader strategy by Attorney General Todd Blanche, who has directed lawsuits against nine jurisdictions over similar mask bans, including one in Maryland.
Denver officials maintain the ordinance is a constitutional measure to ensure transparency and accountability. The legal dispute follows other efforts by the city to limit federal immigration enforcement, such as an executive order banning federal agents from city-owned property and litigation to block agents from voting sites during midterm elections.
