Stop the Misuse of Florida’s Halo Law to Block Law Enforcement Oversight
Stop the Misuse of Florida’s Halo Law to Block Law Enforcement Oversight
The Issue
On a humid night in Lake Worth Beach, neighbors watched as law enforcement detained residents during what appeared to be an immigration operation. When one neighbor, Griffin Ingerson, stepped forward to offer water to a woman and her children sitting on a curb, he was tackled, handcuffed, and arrested under Florida’s new “Halo Law.” Prosecutors later dropped the charges. But the message sent to the community was clear: step back, stay silent, or risk arrest.
Florida’s Halo Law was passed in 2025 with the stated goal of protecting first responders from harassment and danger. That is a legitimate concern. Firefighters, EMS workers, and law enforcement officers deserve safety while doing their jobs. But what is happening now goes far beyond that original intent.
Across Florida, advocates, family members, and legal observers report being warned—or arrested—for standing within 25 feet of officers while documenting immigration enforcement or asking basic questions. In some cases, people are arrested simply for recording, speaking up, or trying to ensure detained individuals can contact their families. Even when charges are dropped, the chilling effect remains.
The First Amendment protects the public’s right to observe and record law enforcement in public spaces. Community oversight is not harassment. Offering water to children is not interference. Peacefully documenting government action is not a threat.
When a law is vague, broadly enforced, and tied to high-stakes immigration operations, it risks being used as a tool of intimidation rather than safety. That undermines trust between communities and law enforcement and leaves residents fearful of speaking up when it matters most.
We are calling on Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley James Uthmeier, and the Florida Legislature to act. Florida should clarify and reform the Halo Law to ensure it cannot be used to suppress constitutionally protected speech, lawful observation, or humanitarian aid. Clear safeguards are needed so that “harassment” and “emotional distress” are not stretched to justify arrests that courts later decline to prosecute.
Sign this petition to protect free speech, community oversight, and basic human dignity in Florida.
79
The Issue
On a humid night in Lake Worth Beach, neighbors watched as law enforcement detained residents during what appeared to be an immigration operation. When one neighbor, Griffin Ingerson, stepped forward to offer water to a woman and her children sitting on a curb, he was tackled, handcuffed, and arrested under Florida’s new “Halo Law.” Prosecutors later dropped the charges. But the message sent to the community was clear: step back, stay silent, or risk arrest.
Florida’s Halo Law was passed in 2025 with the stated goal of protecting first responders from harassment and danger. That is a legitimate concern. Firefighters, EMS workers, and law enforcement officers deserve safety while doing their jobs. But what is happening now goes far beyond that original intent.
Across Florida, advocates, family members, and legal observers report being warned—or arrested—for standing within 25 feet of officers while documenting immigration enforcement or asking basic questions. In some cases, people are arrested simply for recording, speaking up, or trying to ensure detained individuals can contact their families. Even when charges are dropped, the chilling effect remains.
The First Amendment protects the public’s right to observe and record law enforcement in public spaces. Community oversight is not harassment. Offering water to children is not interference. Peacefully documenting government action is not a threat.
When a law is vague, broadly enforced, and tied to high-stakes immigration operations, it risks being used as a tool of intimidation rather than safety. That undermines trust between communities and law enforcement and leaves residents fearful of speaking up when it matters most.
We are calling on Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley James Uthmeier, and the Florida Legislature to act. Florida should clarify and reform the Halo Law to ensure it cannot be used to suppress constitutionally protected speech, lawful observation, or humanitarian aid. Clear safeguards are needed so that “harassment” and “emotional distress” are not stretched to justify arrests that courts later decline to prosecute.
Sign this petition to protect free speech, community oversight, and basic human dignity in Florida.
79
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Petition created on February 6, 2026