Ban On ICE Masks: Republican Lawmaker In Union County Backs Bill For Statewide Adoption

New Jersey Senator Jon Bramnick (R-21) is sponsoring a bill that would require federal immigration agents to uncover their faces when acting in their roles within the public.

New Jersey Senate Bill 3112 prohibits law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), from wearing masks or disguises.

"Transparency and public trust are essential to effective law enforcement...requiring visible identification helps ensure accountability, reduces confusion and fear, and protects both officers and the public," said Bramnick.

Under the law, certain situations would still allow for faces to be covered. These include undercover assignments, when an officer is wearing a shield that does not conceal the face to protect from harm, when wearing a medical mask, or when wearing a mask to protect against smoke inhalation in a State of Emergency.

Officers who violate the law would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense. This would be followed by a fine in the range of $500 to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.

"This legislation is not about hindering law enforcement from doing its job," Bramnick said, "It is about trust, clarity, and professionalism."

The bill, which is sponsored by Senator Benjie Wimberly (D-35) and Senator Vin Gopal (D-11), was introduced on Jan. 13.

In December 2025, an earlier version was approved in the last session by a 5 to 3 vote along party lines. Governor Mikie Sherrill has also backed a ban during talks to crowds on numerous campaign stops during her run for office.

Lawmakers in other states, including Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, have all introduced similar legislation.

In September 2025, California enacted a law that prohibited most masks from being worn by law enforcement. The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) then sued the state, calling the measure "despicable."

DOJ Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin blasted the "sanctuary politicians" just days later. She claimed the safety of these agents was now at huge risk due to "trying to outlaw officers wearing masks to protect themselves from being doxed and targeted by known and suspected terrorist sympathizers."

Patch has reached out to state officials and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for comment on the New Jersey bill and is yet to hear back.

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