New Idaho Law Would Require Distance Between ICE and Citizens

I don’t know that I see things happening in Idaho as they did in Minneapolis, but times are crazy, and people will always surprise you. And it’s not always a good surprise. Each side has its opinion on the facts and what happened during multiple fatal ICE raids. Some say ICE was doing its job, and others say the resident protesters were exercising their right to be there.

Florida may have discovered a way to let both things happen safely and at the same time. The HALO law is a way for law enforcement to do their job, unobstructed or hindered by protesters, and allows protesters to hold signs and yell to their heart's content from a safe distance.

Would the 25 Foot HALO Law Be Good For Idaho

Florida has a law in place called the ‘HALO Law’ that requires citizens to stay 25 feet away from law enforcement when they are working. This includes police, firefighters, and emergency personnel. If the first responders feel any bystanders are becoming a threat or hinderance to them doing their job, they can tell bystanders to stand back as a warning. If the bystander refuses to back away, they can be charged with a misdemeanor, a fine, or prison time if it is deemed that they intended to impede, threaten, or harass the responders.

A similar law has been introduced by US Senator Ashley Moody to have a nationwide HALO Act to protect federal officers.

Photo by Flow Clark on Unsplash

The law wouldn’t make everyone happy, since it is clear that some people want to be close to the action between law enforcement and alleged criminals. But at least a law specifically stating what you can and can’t do - on the resident and law enforcement sides - makes the expectations and consequences clear for all.

Some people have expressed concern that Idaho could be the next focal state for ICE raids. Idaho is known to have a vast migrant workforce, and anti-ICE protests have already taken place across the state.

I think a HALO law would be great for the officers who are working a peaceful protest that isn’t so peaceful, with people yelling into their faces and ears, sometimes with megaphones. That can’t be good for their hearing. Even if they can tell those people to back up, I’m good with this happening.