Following a surge in violence and harassment against federal officers, the Halo Act—championed by Senator Ashley Moody—is finding footing in the U.S. Senate with Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Rick Scott (R-FL) joining as cosponsors. Announced through a news release earlier this week, the proposed legislation aims to shield federal immigration officers from threats and interruptions while on duty.
As Florida’s Attorney General, I helped make Florida the most pro-law enforcement state in the nation—I’m now taking that fight to D.C. The recent incidents of federal officers being harassed or targeted while simply carrying out their responsibilities are alarming and cannot be tolerated. No one serving this nation should be intimidated or obstructed from doing their job,
Senator Moody stated, emphasizing the bill's significance in a statement obtained by her press release. A similar state law from Florida serves as the model for the Halo Act, proposing a protective buffer zone for federal officers.
The Halo Act echoes the principles of Florida's Halo Law by proposing a 25-foot buffer zone. It would, specifically, criminalize coming within that boundary with the intent to interfere, threaten, or harass federal immigration officers actively engaged in their duties. Violators of this act could face fines and prison sentences of up to five years. Senator Moody's office outlined these provisions in the released statement.
Supporters of the act have been vocal about the need for increased protection measures. Assaults and violence against ICE officers have surged by more than 1,150% compared to last year, and left-wing activists across the country will do anything to keep these men and women from enforcing the rule of law,
Senator Marsha Blackburn detailed in the press release, with colleague Senator Rick Scott adding that No member of our law enforcement should fear harassment or intimidation while doing their job of upholding the law.
Their comments allude to a perceived increase in opposition to federal law enforcement activities.
