Federal Judge Blocks Philadelphia Law Restricting Mask Use by Federal Officers

A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction blocking the city of Philadelphia from enforcing a law that restricts federal law enforcement officers from using masks, concealed identification, and unmarked vehicles. U.S. District Judge Chad Kenney ruled that the city cannot dictate how federal officers conduct their operations, siding with the Justice Department, which had argued that the law was unconstitutional. The law, passed by the Philadelphia City Council, aimed to regulate the conduct of law enforcement officers amid concerns over masked immigration agents. The judge noted that endorsing the city's position would allow municipalities to impose their own regulations on federal law enforcement. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker did not sign the bill but allowed it to become law without her signature. The Justice Department has expressed its intention to challenge jurisdictions that attempt to obstruct federal immigration enforcement.