Justice Department sues St. Paul and Portland over local rules limiting federal officers

The Justice Department has taken legal action against the Democratic-led cities of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Portland, Oregon, seeking to block ordinances that prohibit federal law-enforcement officers from wearing masks and mandate that they display visible identification while on duty. St. Paul’s ordinance treats non-compliance as a misdemeanor punishable by fines or imprisonment, while Portland’s version relies on civil lawsuits to enforce compliance.

Federal officials contend the measures violate the Constitution’s supremacy clause and the principle of intergovernmental immunity, which bars local governments from regulating federal activities. The department points to a series of recent rulings, including the Ninth Circuit’s recent invalidation of California’s “No Vigilantes Act,” as precedent. City officials argue the rules are needed to protect the public from unidentified agents, citing Operation Metro Surge and a rise in threats against federal officers. Both municipalities have not responded to requests for comment.