By Jasper Ward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Department of Justice on Monday filed a lawsuit challenging California’s ban on federal law enforcement officers wearing masks while on duty.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation in September prohibiting masking by local and federal law enforcement officers amid increased immigration enforcement efforts in the state.

The Justice Department said it does not plan to comply with the state law as it violates the U.S. Constitution’s intergovernmental immunity doctrine and poses new legal liabilities for federal officers.

“Law enforcement officers thus face a real threat of criminal liability from state officials who have made clear their intent to target federal officers and disrupt federal law enforcement activities, including fe

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