Why has AA been cracking down so much with tiny bags?

I understand it’s always been a rule, but I’ve never had it enforced in my life until this trip. I travel with a backpack and a small waist bag for extra security with my phone and ID. All of the flights for this trip, the agent has pulled me aside to put my fanny pack into one of my other bags before boarding. My MIL also had to put her small handheld wallet away. It’s not a huge issue and I’m fine to do it, I’m just not sure why now they’re deciding to crack down on such a silly policy. I saw people carry shopping bags onto the plane that were way larger than my Fanny pack and the attendants didn’t bat an eye.