The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against the government of Virginia after it prohibited Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from wearing masks during their detention operations of foreigners lacking legal status.

Since January 17, when Abigail Spanberger assumed the responsibility of governor of Virginia, one of the priorities on her agenda consisted of establishing protection mechanisms for immigrants settled in the entity who face the risk of being detained by ICE with the aim of deporting them to their nations of origin.

Among the new laws he enacted related to federal agents, he established identification requirements and restrictions on cooperation with local and state law enforcement agencies in immigration operations.

“Law enforcement officers wearing masks on American streets undermine basic expectations of accountability, sow fear and confusion, and erode public trust,” the 46-year-old Democrat said in a statement.

For this reason, laws SB 352 and SB 783 will come into force starting in July.

In response, the DOJ argues in its complaint that the mask ban and identification requirements violate the Constitution's Supremacy Clause, which grants federal law enforcement authority over state and local agencies.

“SB 352 recklessly ignores officer safety, public safety, and federal operational needs,” part of the document states.

Regarding SB 783, a law relating to partnerships between federal, state and local law enforcement partners, the DOJ notes that it violates the Contracts Clause of the Constitution, as well as the Supremacy Clause.

“It invalidates valid and existing contracts, and seeks to impose onerous and illegal conditions on federal agents operating in Virginia, conditions that the United States cannot accept because they conflict with federal law and put the safety of the agents at risk,” the lawsuit emphasizes.