A federal judge has blocked a New York law that would have prohibited Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from wearing masks in public. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Zaida Colter, temporarily halts the enforcement of the law, which was part of a broader package of legislation aimed at curtailing ICE's enforcement activities within the state.

The law, passed by the New York State Legislature in 2021, was intended to increase transparency and accountability of ICE agents during operations. Proponents argued that unmasked agents would be more easily identifiable by the public, potentially reducing instances of alleged misconduct. However, ICE and its union representatives argued that the law posed a safety risk to their agents, making them targets for harassment and violence.

While this particular provision has been blocked, another part of the legislation, which prohibits formal cooperation between local police and ICE, will proceed. This ban on "9-B" cooperation had already been in effect and remains unchallenged. The legal battle over ICE's operations in New York continues, with this ruling representing a partial victory for the agency.