By Matt Rooney
How much longer are New Jersey Republicans going to tolerate being associated with this guy?
On Tuesday, state Senator Jon Bramnick (R-21) announced that he’s going to sign onto a Democrat bill (S3112) which, if passed and signed by Governor Sherrill, would mandate that “a law enforcement officer shall not wear a mask or disguise while interacting with the public in the performance of the officer’s official duties.”
There are a few narrow exceptions (notably undercover work), but the legislation does not exempt federal law enforcement and will set the stage for a potential early constitutional showdown between the Sherrill Administration and the President Trump.
“Transparency and public trust are essential to effective law enforcement. For that reason, I intend to cosponsor legislation that would prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks or disguises while interacting with the public in the performance of their official duties, with appropriate and clearly defined exceptions,” explained Bramnick, a failed gubernatorial candidate and rabid Never Trumper, in a release declaring his intention to sponsor the bill. “When officers engage with individuals and communities, the public has a right to know who is exercising governmental authority. Requiring visible identification helps ensure accountability, reduces confusion and fear, and protects both officers and the public. This legislation is not about hindering law enforcement from doing its job. It is about reinforcing trust, clarity, and professionalism while allowing for reasonable exceptions when safety or sensitive operations truly require them.”
“Hindering law enforcement” is, of course, exactly what this bill will accomplish.
At a time when ICE officers are being slandered, attacked, and doxxed across the country, one of the NJGOP’s senior senators wants ICE officers charged with disorderly offenses punishable by fines of up to $1,000 and as long as six months in jail for wearing a mask. Vile is too mild a word!
But we all know what’s really going on here. Senator Bramnick represents LD21, a relatively affluent suburban New York district that is rapidly trending “blue.” He just lost both of his Assembly running mates in 2025. Rather than grow a spine, dig deep, and try to rally his party behind him, Bramnick is clearly hoping to further blur the lines by moving leftward in an effort to save his political skin.
This is why people hate politicians, Save Jerseyans. Probably not enough!
Meanwhile, Mikie Sherrill’s acting attorney general confirmed her willingness to prosecute ICE agents during her confirmation hearing.
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MATT ROONEY is SaveJersey.com’s founder and editor-in-chief, a practicing New Jersey attorney, and the host of ‘The Matt Rooney Show’ on 1210 WPHT every Saturday evening from 7-9 PM EST.
