If you think ICE is in your area, you better start carrying a tape measure if you want to avoid jail

House Republicans have introduced a new bill, dubbed the “Halo Act,” that would make it a crime for individuals to get too close to federal immigration agents while they are performing their official duties. This proposal isn’t the only one, as companion legislation has already been introduced in the Senate, signaling a coordinated effort to establish new legal boundaries for federal officers.

Per Newsweek, this proposed legislation aims to establish a 25-foot “halo” or buffer zone around federal personnel. If you remain within this zone after receiving a verbal warning, you could be looking at criminal penalties. Lawmakers supporting the bill say these penalties would apply to anyone who interferes with, threatens, or harasses federal officers during lawful immigration enforcement. 

This move comes after a year filled with mass deportations that have really ratcheted up protests across the nation. The Department of Homeland Security has even reported an increase in harassment complaints and assaults on federal agents, which supporters of the bill point to as a reason for its necessity. 

I wonder how much of this is to keep protestors from recording evidence

On the flip side, immigrant rights groups, civil liberties organizations, and even lawmakers have been vocal in their criticism of agencies like ICE and Border Patrol. They allege that these agencies have engaged in racial profiling, denied due process, and used aggressive tactics during enforcement operations. 

Rep. Michael Rulli (R-OH) introduced the Halo Act in the House of Representatives on March 5, with other republican co-sponsors, Barry Moore, Michael Simpson, and Randy Fine. In a press conference, Simpson stated, “Calling yourself a peaceful protester does not always make you one, especially if your actions include harassing, intimidating, and even physically assaulting federal officers.”

He also added, “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. 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.”

Meanwhile, in the Senate, Sen Ashley Moody (R-FL) introduced her companion legislation in November 2025. Her bill would also make it a federal offense to knowingly approach or remain within a set distance of a federal immigration enforcement officer after being told to back off.

“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,” Senator Moody said. “I’m introducing the Halo Act to enact criminal penalties for those who threaten or impede these federal officers while they are faithfully executing their duties.”

The Halo Act, in both its House and Senate forms, could extend its coverage to personnel from the Department of Homeland Security and to other federal law enforcement officers engaged in immigration enforcement, such as certain FBI or DEA officers.