Judge blocks Virginia ICE mask ban hours before going into effect

Published July 1, 2026 10:29am ET | Updated July 1, 2026 10:29am ET



A federal judge blocked a Virginia law instituting a mask ban for Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers hours before the measure would have taken effect on Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Robert Payne, appointed by former President George H.W. Bush, issued a preliminary injunction in favor of the Department of Justice. The federal government sued Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones and Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steven Descano last month over what the plaintiff deemed an “unconstitutional” mask ban.

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.