Halo Act

H.R. 7846, the Halo Act, would create new federal criminal penalties for individuals who approach or remain within 25 feet of a federal immigration enforcement officer after being verbally warned, if they intend to interfere with, threaten, or harass the officer while the officer is performing lawful immigration enforcement duties. The bill would establish what proponents call a "halo" or buffer zone around federal immigration officers to protect them from harassment and interference.

The bill's supporters argue it is necessary to protect federal immigration officers from increased threats and violence. According to the bill's sponsor, federal officials report that ICE agents have faced significant increases in threats and assaults. The legislation would make it a criminal offense to knowingly violate a verbal warning and approach or remain within the 25-foot zone with intent to impede, threaten, or harass an officer. Supporters note that civilians would still be able to exercise First Amendment rights from outside the buffer zone.

The bill is currently in the House Committee on the Judiciary and has not yet been voted on by the full House. A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate.