New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul says the state plans to prohibit law enforcement officers– including federal agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – from wearing masks while carrying out routine duties, part of a sweeping package of immigration-related policies tied to the state budget agreement.

The proposal, expected to pass the Democratic-controlled legislature next week as part of the 2027 state budget, comes amid escalating tensions between New York officials and the Trump administration over federal immigration enforcement practices.

Under the measure, officers from state, local, and federal agencies would generally be barred from concealing their identities while on duty. Limited exceptions would apply in specific operational or safety situations, such as the use of gas masks or specialized protective gear.

New York will be “banning law enforcement officers from wearing masks, except in rare circumstances,” Hochul said Thursday. “No members of state, local, or federal law enforcement should wear masks during ordinary operations.”

The broader immigration package would also prohibit state and local police agencies from cooperating with ICE on certain federal immigration enforcement efforts. In addition, ICE agents would be restricted from entering schools, hospitals, homes, and other sensitive locations without a judicial warrant.

Supporters of the legislation argue the measures are necessary to increase transparency and protect immigrant communities from intimidation tactics. Critics, however, say the restrictions could interfere with federal enforcement operations and raise concerns about officer safety.

The policy is expected to face immediate legal scrutiny from the Trump administration. In fact, White House border czar Tom Homan has already vowed to "flood the zone," referring to New York, over legislation that will purportedly make federl efforts to detain illegal migrants more difficult. 

Similar laws enacted in California and New Jersey have already triggered federal lawsuits. Earlier this year, a federal judge struck down California’s mask restriction, ruling that it may unlawfully discriminate against federal officers.