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Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has proposed a new local law that would make it illegal for law enforcement officers and federal agents to wear facial coverings during official police actions in Ulster County. The proposed legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability by ensuring the public can identify officers during public encounters. There would be exceptions for undercover work, protective services, emergency protective equipment, hazardous situations, and cases where state or federal law requires facial coverings.
According to a report by the Daily Freeman, the law is designed to establish a "clear, consistent expectation" that people interacting with law enforcement can readily identify both the agency and the individual officer. The legislation would also require officers to display visible identification, such as a last name, badge number, or unique code, and to provide this information verbally upon request.
Deputy County Executive Joseph Amenta stated that the law fits within the county’s authority to ensure public safety and operates similarly to speed limits, applying to all—including federal agents—unless operational necessity demands otherwise. The move comes in response to national concerns about masked immigration raids, particularly by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which critics say undermine public trust and oversight.
Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa supported the effort, stating: "Anonymity undermines oversight and transparency. While masking can be justified in confidential investigations, it is unnecessary in routine operations. Public trust diminishes when law enforcement creates fear rather than communicating with common sense transparency."
The proposed law is modeled after similar measures adopted in California, Washington, and New Jersey, which ban law enforcement from wearing face-concealing masks except under specific circumstances. Several cities across the U.S. have also considered or passed similar bans.
If enacted, alleged violators of the law would have their cases heard by the county Human Rights Department. Penalties would include a $500 fine for a first violation, $1,000 for a second within twelve months, and $2,500 for subsequent violations in the same period. The Human Rights Department has allocated $15,000 of its budget to administer the law, including retaining independent legal counsel for hearings.
The legislation will be presented to the Ulster County Legislature in April, with the possibility of a public hearing in May. Lawmakers will then decide whether the measure becomes law.