This bill, known as the "Halo Act," aims to establish a new criminal penalty for individuals who obstruct federal immigration enforcement activities. It amends title 18 of the United States Code to make it unlawful for a person to knowingly approach or remain within 25 feet of a federal immigration enforcement officer after receiving a verbal warning, if their intent is to impede, threaten, or harass the officer. The legislation defines a "Federal immigration enforcement officer" as any authorized officer, agent, or employee involved in the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of federal immigration law violations. It also defines "harass" as knowingly engaging in a course of conduct that intentionally causes substantial emotional distress and serves no legitimate purpose. Violators of this new offense face significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
This bill, known as the "Halo Act," aims to establish a new criminal penalty for individuals who obstruct federal immigration enforcement activities. It amends title 18 of the United States Code to make it unlawful for a person to knowingly approach or remain within 25 feet of a federal immigration enforcement officer after receiving a verbal warning, if their intent is to impede, threaten, or harass the officer. The legislation defines a "Federal immigration enforcement officer" as any authorized officer, agent, or employee involved in the prevention, detection, investigation, or prosecution of federal immigration law violations. It also defines "harass" as knowingly engaging in a course of conduct that intentionally causes substantial emotional distress and serves no legitimate purpose. Violators of this new offense face significant penalties, including fines, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.