WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, Congressman Michael Rulli introduced The Halo Act (H.R. 7846) a bill that would help increase protections for federal immigration enforcement officers. Deliberate misrepresentation of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions has led to a drastic increase of violence towards ICE personnel. As a result, federal officials report that ICE agents have faced a dramatic surge in threats and violence, including an 8,000% increase in death threats and more than 1,300% increase in assaults against officers.
The Halo Act, a companion bill to Senator Ashley Moody’s (R-FL) S.3179, would establish criminal penalties for individuals who, after being verbally warned, remain within a 25-foot “halo” around a harassed officer. These penalties would apply to anyone interfering with, threatening, or harassing that officer while they are carrying out lawful immigration enforcement duties.
“Our ICE agents and federal immigration officers put themselves in harm’s way every single day to enforce our laws and protect our communities,” said Rep. Rulli. “The American people voted for law and order in November 2024. They voted for secure borders and for the men and women who enforce our laws to be supported in the line of duty – not harassed, threatened, or assaulted. The Halo Act makes it crystal clear: if you try to intimidate or obstruct federal officers doing their job, there will be consequences.”
“Calling yourself a peaceful protestor does not always make you one, especially if your actions include harassing, intimidating, and even physically assaulting federal officers. It is common sense to enact criminal penalties for these agitators and establish a buffer zone for the safety of our dedicated law enforcement, particularly during a time when they are facing record-high threats and attacks.” Said co-sponsor Rep. Mike Simpson (ID-02). “Not every federal officer is experienced in crowd control, so when local officers are ordered to stand down, like they were in Minneapolis, while fellow officers urgently need help, tensions escalate and problems arise. I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Rulli’s bill to combat these issues, hold agitators accountable, and to shield the brave men and women who serve and protect our communities.”
“Every day, our ICE and federal immigration enforcement officers put their lives on the line to uphold the rule of law and keep our communities safe,” said co-sponsor Rep. Barry Moore (AL-01). “The Halo Act makes it clear that intentionally interfering with those officers as they carry out their lawful duties will not be tolerated. No one should be able to harass, threaten, or obstruct the men and women tasked with enforcing our immigration laws. This commonsense legislation ensures our officers have the space and protection they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. I’m proud to stand with Rep. Rulli in support of our federal law enforcement officers.”
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