Ashley Moody Pushes ‘Halo Act’ to Protect Law Enforcement

Washington, DC -- Florida Senator Ashley Moody is urging Congress to pass the Halo Act, legislation she says is needed to protect law enforcement officers from a growing wave of harassment, threats, and violence while they’re on duty.

Moody took to the Senate floor this week, citing what she called “staggering” increases in assaults and threats against officers — particularly federal agents. According to Moody, assaults on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have risen dramatically in recent years, along with a sharp spike in death threats directed at law enforcement personnel.

The Halo Act is modeled after Florida’s existing Halo Law, which creates a 25-foot buffer zone around first responders, including police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. The goal is to prevent individuals from obstructing, intimidating, or interfering with officers while they are performing official duties.

Supporters of the bill argue that officers are increasingly being targeted during routine calls, protests, and arrests — sometimes surrounded, shouted down, or recorded at close range in ways they say compromise safety. Moody says the legislation is not meant to restrict free speech, but rather to ensure officers can do their jobs without physical interference or threats.

Moody has placed blame on political rhetoric, arguing that some elected officials have contributed to an environment that emboldens hostility toward police. She says the Halo Act would send a clear message that harassment and obstruction of law enforcement will not be tolerated.

The bill faces debate in Congress, where critics have raised concerns about potential impacts on First Amendment rights. Moody, however, insists the legislation strikes the right balance between public expression and officer safety.

The Halo Act remains under consideration as lawmakers continue discussions on law enforcement protections nationwide.