House Bill Would Create 15-Foot Buffer Zone Around Federal Law Enforcement Officers

A newly introduced House bill would make it a federal offense to come within 15 feet of federal law enforcement officers performing their duties after being ordered to stay back. The measure, known as the HALO Act, would create a safety buffer intended to protect officers from interference, obstruction, harassment and threats.

Violators could face a fine and up to five years in prison, according to the bill text reported by The Washington Times. The legislation was introduced by a Republican lawmaker from New York during National Police Week. Republicans had considered including state and local police but determined Congress lacks constitutional authority to impose such requirements on them.

However, if local or state officers are working alongside federal officers, they would be covered under the legislation, the sponsor told The Washington Times.

Federal immigration officers have faced physical attacks and attempts to obstruct their operations by protesters in certain cities and states. The bill seeks to address such disruptions during law enforcement actions. The proposal comes as Congress considers new protections for officers carrying out duties that have drawn public protests in recent years.