Kansas 'Halo Act' Sparks Outcry Amid First Amendment Concerns

A Kansas state law barring anyone from being within 25 feet of first responders engaged in their duties is coming under fire from some free-speech advocates, who say the bill violates the First Amendment and would be harmful as federal immigration raids continue throughout the state and country.

The Halo Act, which became law effective July 1 after the Republican-led Kansas legislature overrode the Democratic governor's veto of the bill, makes it a misdemeanor for civilians to approach  local and federal law enforcement, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, "while such first responder is engaged in the performance of such first responder's duties."

In this Feb. 27, 2026, file photo, protesters chant outside of Strong Hall at the Kansas University campus in Lawrence, Kansas, in response to an alleged ICE detention.