A federal judge in Albany has temporarily blocked a New York state law that prohibited immigration agents from covering their faces, citing the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. However, the judge upheld the state's ban on local police cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

A Decision Rooted in the Constitution

On August 4, 2026, U.S. District Judge Mae D’Agostino in Albany issued a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of New York's 'Mask Law,' which had banned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from covering their faces and required them to display visible identification.

According to The Guardian, the judge ruled that while the state 'appears to be well-intentioned in its pursuit of transparent policing,' the decision rests on constitutional grounds. The ruling is based on the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which prevents state governments from regulating federal law enforcement agencies.

The State Law's Background

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the restrictions in late May 2026 in response to federal immigration enforcement tactics during Donald Trump's second term. The federal administration argued that forcing agents to reveal their identities would expose them to danger and hinder undercover operations.

Judge D’Agostino noted that 'the United States has demonstrated a likelihood of success on its claim that New York's laws directly regulate federal officers in violation of the Supremacy Clause.'

Exception: The 287(g) Ban Stands

In a 51-page ruling, the judge allowed another part of the New York law to remain in effect: the prohibition of 287(g) cooperation agreements between local police and ICE, which will take effect in late August 2026.

Judge D’Agostino considered this ban an 'appropriate means to promote New York's legitimate interests.' Governor Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James celebrated that this part of the law was deemed legal to protect local resources.