Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson announced on Mar. 11 that he is cosponsoring H.R. 7846, known as the Halo Act, which aims to protect federal officers from threats, interference, or harassment while they are performing their official duties. The legislation is sponsored by Representative Michael Rulli of Ohio.
The proposed law seeks to address concerns about the safety of federal law enforcement personnel, particularly during times when they face increased threats and attacks. Supporters say the bill would establish criminal penalties for individuals who threaten or harass officers and create a buffer zone around them.
“Calling yourself a peaceful protestor does not always make you one, especially if your actions include harassing, intimidating, and even physically assaulting federal officers,” said original cosponsor Rep. Simpson. “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. 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.”
Representative Rulli also commented on the importance of supporting immigration enforcement agents: “Our ICE agents and federal immigration officers put themselves in harm’s way every single day to enforce our laws and protect our communities. 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.”
The Halo Act would create criminal penalties for anyone who remains within a 25-foot “halo” around an officer after being verbally warned if that person interferes with or threatens an officer carrying out lawful immigration enforcement duties.
Senator Ashley Moody has introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
Simpson has represented Idaho’s 2nd district in Congress since 1999 after replacing Mike Crapo according to congressional records. He previously served in the Idaho House of Representatives from 1984 until his election to Congress according to his official biography. Simpson was born in Burley, Idaho in 1950 and currently lives in Idaho Falls as reported by local news sources. He graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1972.
