In response to rising threats of violence against Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers (ICE) and others across the country, Sen. Ashley Moody (R-FL) announced the introduction of the "Halo Act" in Congress this week.
The proposal would specifically create a 25-foot buffer zone for immigration duties to perform their duties while on the job. It would also make it illegal for anyone to come within the area after being warned to stay back, including those who look to disrupt their duties.
Agitators who threaten or harass an officer in the zone will also be committing a crime. In any instance, violators could face a fine or up to five years in prison, or both.
"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," Moody said in a statement. "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.”
Sen. Moody noted the federal bill is modeled after Florida's Halo Law, which went into effect this year. The law, SB 184, was sponsored by Sen. Bryan Avila (R-Hialeah Gardens) and later signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in March.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), threats against federal immigration agents have risen a startling 8,000%. The increase comes after a "coordinated ambush" on ICE at a facility in Alvarado, Texas, on July 4.
Border Patrol agents were also attacked in Texas that month.
“Our ICE law enforcement is now facing an 8,000% increase in death threats against them while they risk their lives every single day to remove the worst of the worst,” Assistant DHS Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said last month.“From bounties placed on their heads for their murders, threats to their families, stalking, and doxxing online, our officers are experiencing an unprecedented level of violence and threats against them and their families."
