WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following reports of violence and harassment against federal officers trying to do their jobs, Senator Ashley Moody announced the introduction of her Halo Act to protect them when conducting official duties.
Senator Ashley Moody said, “As the wife of a law enforcement officer, former Attorney General, and now United States Senator, I have always supported and fought for the selfless individuals who protect and serve our nation. I am appalled at the news reports of people harassing and targeting federal officers while they are simply trying to do their jobs, and this must end. I’m introducing the Halo Act to enact criminal penalties for those that threaten or impede these federal officers while they are faithfully executing their duties.”
The Halo Act is modeled after Florida’s Halo Law which establishes a 25-foot buffer zone around first responders to ensure their safety and allow them to do their jobs without interference or distraction.
Specifically, Senator Moody’s Halo Act would:
- Make it illegal for anyone—after being told to stay back—to knowingly come within 25 feet of a federal immigration officer who is doing their job if their intent is to:
- Get in the way or interfere with the officer’s work,
- Threaten the officer with physical harm, or
- Harass the officer.
- Anyone who breaks this rule could face a fine, up to five years in prison, or both.
Read bill text here.
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