Department of Justice sues Denver over federal officer mask ban

The United States Department of Justice has filed a civil lawsuit against the city and county of Denver over a law that bans law enforcement officers from wearing face masks, UPI, Law360, and Axios reported. Federal lawyers contend that the local ban is unconstitutional and threatens the safety of federal officers. [1][2][4]

According to UPI, Denver officials began drafting the legislation in the summer of 2025 following operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. Those operations were conducted in cities nationwide as part of an aggressive federal immigration enforcement campaign focused on detaining and deporting immigrants. [1]

The local measure was signed into law in March, UPI reported. The statute explicitly prohibits law enforcement personnel, including federal officers, from covering their faces while carrying out official duties. [1]

Denver is a major regional hub whose economy rests on technology, professional services, aerospace, bioscience, and energy sectors, bolstered by nearby federal installations. In recent years, the city has faced growing challenges regarding property crime and rising homelessness. [8]