Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) is introducing legislation prohibiting the federal government from contracting with businesses that have refused to serve federal law enforcement.
The Halting Inappropriate Limits Targeting Officers Now Act (HILTON Act) prohibits the government from entering into contracts for covered services like food, lodging, transportation, vehicle rental, healthcare, and other services if a business had refused service to a federal law enforcement officer due to the officer's official duties or if the business implemented a policy within the past year intending to do so.
To prevent circumvention, businesses under common corporate control (such as franchises or chains) are treated as a single entity.
However, the bill outlines a limited waiver that allows agency heads to use those businesses if no comparable service exists within a 50-mile radius and the parent company takes remedial action.
The bill is a response to instances of gas stations, restaurants, and hotels refusing to serve Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers nationwide, even when doing so may be illegal.
"Our law enforcement officers deserve respect, not political targeting," said Rep. Mills in a press release. "If a business chooses to discriminate against those who enforce our laws, it should not expect to do business with the federal government."
In response, Rep. Mills commented that the bill "reinforces fairness, accountability, and support for those who protect our freedoms." "Federal law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our communities and defend our nation. It is unacceptable that any entity benefiting from federal contracts would deny basic services to these brave men and women simply because of the badge they wear," he added.
Border czar Tom Homan recently announced the conclusion of ICE operations in Minnesota, which he called a success, saying, "The surge is leaving Minnesota safer. I'll say it again, it's less of a sanctuary state for criminals."
