for us to recognize that this is a special circumstance. And I want our officers to be safe when they're out there in the community protecting and serving Milwaukee,  Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson said.

In April, Milwaukee passed an ordinance that bans all law enforcement from wearing masks. But there is an exemption for extreme weather, like today's dangerous smoke from Canadian wildfires.

Related article

Ongoing mask dispute

The backstory:

The clock is ticking in the battle between ICE and Milwaukee. The U.S. Department of Justice said it will not comply with the city's mask ban. The feds said it is unconstitutional, and said it puts immigration agents' lives at risk amid threats.

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FOX6 News asked the mayor about the going dispute.

 Is the city going to enforce the ordinance against federal agents?  FOX6 News asked.

 I'll leave that to the city attorney to discuss,  Johnson said.

 I mean the letter was sent to you, too, so what was your reaction to that letter?  FOX6 News asked.

 I know. It's a legal matter, so in consultation with the city attorney, I'm leaving it to the city attorney to address,  Johnson said.

The U.S. Department of Justice gave Milwaukee until Friday to respond and say it will not enforce the mask ban.

Portions of this article were formatted using A.I. FOX6's Jason Calvi and an editor reviewed it for accuracy and tone prior to publishing.