DOJ sues Denver over mask ban and ID requirement for federal officers – Denver Gazette

DOJ sues Denver over mask ban and ID requirement for federal officers  Denver Gazette

The Department of Justice has sued the City and County of Denver, asking challenging its ordinance that prohibits law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from wearing a mask or face covering while interrogating, detaining, or arresting an individual within Denver, including in city-owned buildings. The Department of Justice has sued the City and County of Denver, challenging its ordinance that prohibits law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from wearing a mask or face covering while interrogating, detaining, or arresting an individual within Denver, including in city-owned buildings. Filed in federal court on Oct. 8, the complaint names the City and County of Denver, Mayor Michael C. Johnston, City Attorney Michiko Ando Brown and Police Chief Ronald Thomas as defendants, calling the city’s ordinance an “unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers.” Approved in March 2026, the law prohibits federal agents—including those from Immigration and Customs Enforcement—from concealing their face and identity during certain types of operations.

According to city documents, violations can carry penalties of up to 300 days in jail and $999 in fines. The federal agency is asking the court to declare the ordinance unconstitutional and permanently bar Denver from enforcing it, alleging the law intentionally interferes with federal immigration enforcement. Johnston took to social media, arguing the law keeps the city safe and avowing