U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers defied a New Jersey law’s prohibition on wearing masks while carrying out operations in the Garden State. On March 25, 2026, Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a package of three bills, one of which bans ICE agents from concealing their identities behind masks while they are on duty.
Officials with ICE slammed the legislation as being “unconstitutional” because state law cannot supersede federal law. The agency ignored the prohibition on masks during the arrest of Rubiel Gabriel Nolasco in the city of Jackson in April 2026. A spokesperson released a statement on the matter, stating that the ban is “a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers.”
“Sanctuary politicians attempting to ban our federal law enforcement from wearing masks is despicable and a flagrant attempt to endanger our officers,” the spokesperson told NJ.com. “ICE officers wear face coverings for one reason: To protect themselves and their families from real-world threats including agitators. The danger is not hypothetical.”
However, Gov. Sherrill disagrees with that assessment. “The legislation the governor signed bans law enforcement from wearing masks in New Jersey. Governor Sherrill is prepared to take any necessary measures if ICE continues to violate the law, including taking the Trump Administration back to court,” the governor said.
Jackson Police Chief Mary Nelson told the media she was not able to confirm any information as local law enforcement “does not actively get involved” with federal immigration enforcement. Nelson then said that the department is legally bound by New Jersey’ Attorney Immigration Trust Directive, which prohibits officers from getting involved with or interfering in federal enforcement operations.
Nolasco has been arrested twice by Border Patrol agents in 2021 and on both occasions was deported back to Mexico, according to federal authorities. He was arrested by Toms River Police on July 29, 2024, on charges of domestic violence. Nolasco pleaded guilty to that charge. He also had several pending charges for driving with a suspended license or registration.
The suspect is currently being detained and awaiting removal proceedings. Folks took to social media platform Facebook to express their thoughts about the ban and the ICE officers ignoring the law. “ICE Agents are federal employees, they don’t need Sherrill’s approval,” one user wrote. Another skewered Sherrill, saying, “ICE agents don’t need the helicopter pilot’s approval.”
"*" indicates required fields
Someone else wrote, “Exactly lol because it’s not a real law. It’s fantasy land.” Another user ripped into Sherrill, wisecracking, “Lookout for Captain Whirlybird. The Clown Copter could be anywhere!” A person praised ICE for their disobedience of the law, writing, “Not all heroes wear capes!” Someone also took a dig at New Jersey rocker Bruce Springsteen saying, “We better let Bruce Springsteen know about this!”
Another user pointed out that Sherrill has not been cooperative with ICE officers. “If she’s not going to cooperate with them, why should they cooperate with her?” Someone else supported the right of ICE officers to protect their identity, saying, “They should be able to protect their identity. What’s the helicopter pilot gonna do about it.”