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NY Governor Hochul Bans Police Masks, Limits ICE Cooperation

5/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York will ban police officers from wearing masks on duty.
The ban is in a 2027 budget deal that also limits state cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Budget director Blake G. Washington said the bills could pass the Democratic-led legislature next week.
A federal judge struck down California’s ban in February as unlawful discrimination, while New Jersey’s similar bans have faced federal lawsuits.

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Story summary

Governor Kathy Hochul announced New York will ban police officers from wearing masks on duty.
The ban is in a 2027 budget deal that also limits state cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Budget director Blake G. Washington said the bills could pass the Democratic-led legislature next week.
A federal judge struck down California’s ban in February as unlawful discrimination, while New Jersey’s similar bans have faced federal lawsuits.