The Milwaukee Common Council approved a part of the ‘ICE Out MKE’ package banning law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings.
The Milwaukee Common Council approved an ordinance Tuesday that prohibits law enforcement officers, including federal immigration agents, from wearing masks or face coverings while on duty.
The measure, part of the council’s “ICE Out MKE” legislative package, bars officers from wearing face coverings when interacting with the public. Exceptions are allowed for health, safety or extreme weather conditions, such as bitterly cold temperatures.
The ordinance applies to all law enforcement agents, including any federal employee with authority to carry firearms, make arrests without a warrant or enforce criminal, customs or immigration laws.
The vote came after the council delayed action last month while the city attorney reviewed questions about the measure’s enforceability. Milwaukee police earlier adopted a similar internal policy banning officers from masking their identities.
The ordinance requires identification to be worn and takes effect only after Mayor Cavalier Johnson signs it.
The council passed the measure nearly unanimously as part of a broader package aimed at limiting the impact of ICE operations in Milwaukee.
