In response to a wave of pro-Palestinian protests, state legislators and law enforcement are reinstating dormant laws that criminalize mask-wearing.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced Monday that the city should consider new regulations for demonstrations, including the potential restriction of mask-wearing by protesters, following a violent incident at a synagogue on Sunday.

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The protest, involving pro-Palestinian demonstrators with covered faces, prompted concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in identifying suspects.

While Mayor Bass did not propose specific measures, she emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of current rules, particularly regarding masks at protests.

The use of masks became common in both pro-Palestinian and some pro-”Israeli” protests.

This month, New York Governor Kathy Hochul voiced concerns over masked individuals committing anti-Semitic acts on subways, considering a mask ban to prevent such behavior.

New York Mayor Eric Adams supported this stance, arguing that masks allow criminals to evade accountability.

In North Carolina, discussions about mask bans have also emerged, particularly in response to Gaza war protests.

In Los Angeles, no formal mask restriction proposals have been introduced yet, and it remains uncertain whether the City Council would support such measures. However, Jeffrey Abrams, the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) Los Angeles regional director, expressed support for examining legal tools to enhance community protection.

Law enforcement officials argue that masks hinder their ability to identify suspects involved in criminal activities during protests. Authorities plan to use advanced facial recognition technology to overcome these challenges.

Despite the potential benefits of mask regulations for security purposes, implementing such restrictions is complex. During the 2020 George Floyd protests, health officials recommended masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

With COVID-19 no longer classified as a public health emergency, and with virus levels rising in certain regions, the reinstatement of mask bans has heightened concerns among vulnerable populations.

Although the pandemic's impact has lessened, masks still offer crucial protection, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.

Lawmakers argue that the legislation would not target those with legitimate health concerns, but critics contend it is impractical and risks increased harassment for mask-wearers.

Shari Stuart, an immunocompromised North Carolina resident, recounted being verbally abused and coughed on for wearing a surgical mask after the state House passed its anti-masking bill. She fears such incidents will become more common if the bill becomes law, despite its health exception.

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Civil rights advocates, including Diana Cejas, a Black pediatric neurologist with heightened health risks, warn that people of color are likely to bear the brunt of enforcement.

Additionally, critics question the feasibility of distinguishing between those masking for health reasons and those concealing their identities during protests. Jay Stanley from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warns of potential selective enforcement against disfavored protesters.