Evan Goyke

The U.S. government sued Milwaukee, its mayor, city attorney, and police chief over an ordinance banning law enforcement from wearing masks during public interactions, requiring visible identification. The lawsuit argues states cannot regulate federal actions, while Milwaukee claims it ensures accountability and public safety.

The U.S. government filed a lawsuit against Milwaukee challenging its ordinance prohibiting law enforcement from wearing masks while interacting with the public. The lawsuit argues that states cannot regulate federal law enforcement actions, citing constitutional principles. Milwaukee's ordinance requires officers to be facially identifiable with their names and agency on uniform, while the city attorney disputes federal claims of immunity under the Supremacy Clause.

The US government sued Milwaukee over an ordinance requiring federal officers to wear visible identification and avoid face coverings, claiming it violates the Constitution by regulating federal agents. The city passed the law in April to address concerns about masked, unidentified federal officers, while the government argues it endangers officers and infringes on federal authority.

Milwaukee's law banning masked law enforcement has led to a legal conflict with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which refuses to comply. The city attorney, Evan Goyke, supports the ordinance, citing public safety and accountability concerns, while ICE cites the Supremacy Clause to justify noncompliance. A specific case involving the arrest of Giovanni Sosa by masked ICE agents highlights the tensions.

Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke rejected a U.S. Department of Justice demand not to enforce an ordinance prohibiting law enforcement from concealing their identities. Goyke argued the ordinance is a public safety measure and criticized federal immigration officers for using aggressive tactics and unmarked vehicles in Milwaukee.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) rebuked Milwaukee officials for a local mask ban targeting federal immigration agents, calling the ordinance unconstitutional under the Supremacy Clause. The DOJ argued the ban would endanger officers by exposing them to harassment and hindering enforcement, while Milwaukee officials defended the policy to protect residents from unidentifiable law enforcement.