Denver bans face masks for law enforcement

• Mayor Mike Johnston signed an executive order last week banning federal law enforcement from city-owned or city-controlled buildings.

Driving the news: The new law applies to all law enforcement, but it targets federal agents like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, whose use of face coverings has faced public backlash.

The other side: The federal government has been highly critical of the two actions. DHS told Axios in January federal agents won't comply with the face mask ban and a spokesperson last week called Johnston's executive order "legally illiterate."

Zoom in: The bill's supporters on council say the law will help improve transparency and accountability for any officer working in the city.

• Face masks will be allowed under certain circumstances, like undercover work or SWAT operations.

What we're watching: Whether Denver's ban faces a legal challenge, which the California legislation Denver's law is modeled after currently faces.

What's next: Johnston has previously said he supports the bill, which now heads to his desk for a signature.