WASHINGTON, June 11 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department on Thursday sued the state of Virginia over what it described as the state's "unconstitutional attempt to regulate" federal agents by banning masks for law enforcement.

o The department alleges that Virginia's ban threatens the safety of federal officers.

o "Virginia's anti-law enforcement policies regulate the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand," acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement.

o Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones said his office is reviewing the lawsuit.

o The bill restricting law enforcement from wearing facial coverings was signed into law by the state's governor, Abigail Spanberger, last month.

o Other states, including California and New York, have also moved to impose similar restrictions.

(Reporting by Jasper Ward in Washington; Editing by Chris Reese and Jacqueline Wong)