TRENTON, N.J. — Legislation scheduled for consideration Thursday by the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee would prohibit most law enforcement officers in New Jersey from wearing face coverings while on duty.
The bill, A1743, would broadly restrict officers from wearing coverings such as balaclavas with eye openings or neck gaiters pulled up to cover their lower faces while working.
Assemblyman Alex Sauickie criticized the proposal, calling it misguided and politically motivated.
“Democrats in Trenton are increasingly focused on national political messaging instead of solving New Jersey’s real public safety challenges,” Sauickie said. “That kind of performative theater doesn’t help keep communities safe.”
“We should be protecting law enforcement, not passing policies that make their jobs more dangerous.”
Sauickie said lawmakers should avoid policies that could place local agencies in conflict with federal authorities or create legal uncertainty.
“States don’t get to rewrite federal authority,” Sauickie said. “If we pass laws that can’t legally be enforced or that force conflicts between agencies, we’re not building trust — we’re creating confusion.”
He also said public safety policy should be shaped by law enforcement leadership rather than political messaging.
“If the goal is better outcomes, you bring in law enforcement leadership and those who understand how these operations actually work,” Sauickie said.
Sauickie disputed arguments that banning face coverings would improve public trust or reduce confusion during enforcement operations.
“Law enforcement needs lawmakers who will stand up for officers and defend the rule of law and not treat public safety like open-mic night,” Sauickie said. “Public safety demands seriousness, substance and real leadership, and not punchlines or policy built for headlines.”
The issue has drawn attention nationally. California enacted a statewide ban on law enforcement face coverings last year. The measure is being challenged in court by the U.S. Department of Justice. Similar legislation has been discussed in other states, including Washington, Missouri and Maryland.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell recently said his department would not enforce California’s ban. “It’s not a good public policy decision and it wasn’t well thought out in my opinion,” McDonnell said.
According to statements from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, immigration officers have faced increased threats in recent years, including death threats and reported vehicular attacks.
In December, twin brothers from Absecon were arrested after allegedly threatening to shoot ICE officers “on sight” and making violent threats against a senior DHS official on social media. One of the suspects also faces weapons charges.
