Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman signed a new executive order Friday clarifying that law enforcement officers, including those involved in immigration raids, are exempt from the county’s public mask ban under specific circumstances.

The clarification comes amid ongoing raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the region, and amid broader tensions surrounding President Donald Trump’s aggressive national immigration enforcement efforts.

At the public signing, Blakeman explained the rationale behind the exemption, stating that while mask-wearing by civilians can obscure identity and hinder police investigations, law enforcement needs the ability to wear masks for safety and operational reasons.

“Wearing a mask, if you’re not law enforcement, impedes law enforcement from doing their duties and responsibilities,” Blakeman said. “Unless it’s for a religious or health reason, people are often covering themselves to commit crimes or avoid detection.”

The executive order follows news that ICE currently has access to 50 detention cells at the Nassau County Correctional Center in East Meadow. According to Blakeman, more than 1,400 individuals have been held there so far this year.

While Blakeman stated that “the majority” of detainees have criminal records, he did not provide specific charges or data when asked by reporters.

The executive order and ICE detentions have drawn criticism from immigrant advocacy groups, who argue the policies foster fear and racial profiling in local communities.

Blakeman defended the partnership with ICE, stating that Nassau County’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities is focused on public safety.

“We’re not in the business of going after hardworking families. We’re going after those who break the law,” he said.

Civil liberties groups, however, have signaled they may challenge the executive order, citing concerns over selective enforcement and the impact on immigrant and minority residents.