The first ban on face coverings in the United States was signed into law in New York on Wednesday following concerns about their use during protests and criminal activity.

The Nassau County law, signed by County Executive Bruce Blakeman, is intended to prevent crime and was introduced after violent protests unfolded at Columbia University earlier this year over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Many of the protesters wore face coverings in order to conceal their identity, as they feared punishment for vandalism and political stances that, in many instances, were deemed antisemitic.