Christine Fernando.

People fearful of being arrested for wearing masks while protesting immigration raids in Los Angeles and other cities have voiced anger over Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents covering their faces. The protesters and First Amendment advocates say it’s a double standard. A senior legal adviser with the International Center for Not-For-Profit Law says at least 18 states and Washington, D.C., have laws that restrict face coverings. The center says since October 2023 at least 16 bills have been introduced in eight states and Congress to restrict masks at protests. Democratic lawmakers in California have introduced legislation aiming to stop federal agents from wearing face masks. Republican federal officials maintain masks protect agents from doxing.