Florida AG asks Supreme Court to pave way for new immigration law 
Share and Follow


Video above: Florida leaders discuss potential new detention center at Camp Blanding

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — At least two people have been wrongly charged under a Florida law that outlaws people living in the U.S. illegally from entering the state since a federal judge halted its enforcement, according to a report Florida’s attorney general is required to file as punishment for defying the judge’s ruling.

Both men were arrested in late May by deputies in northeast Florida’s St. Johns County, more than a month after U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams in Miami issued an order freezing the enforcement of the state statute. The law makes it a misdemeanor for undocumented migrants to enter Florida by eluding immigration officials.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said in his report filed at the beginning of July that he only became aware of the two cases at the end of June after requesting information from state and local law enforcement. As punishment for flouting her order and being found in contempt, the judge requires Uthmeier to file bimonthly reports about whether any arrests, detentions or law enforcement actions have been made under the law.

On May 29, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a man with an active immigration detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and another man on counts of illegal entry and driving without a valid driver’s license, according to the status report.

As corrective action, the charge involving the man with the ICE detainer was dismissed in state court, and prosecutors filed a motion that was granted to vacate the charge for illegal entry in the second case, R.J. Larizza, state attorney for the jurisdiction that covers St. Johns County, said in a separate filing.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law in February as part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

Immigrants rights groups filed a lawsuit on behalf of two unnamed, Florida-based immigrants living in the U.S. illegally shortly after the bill was signed into law. The lawsuit said the new legislation violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by encroaching on federal duties.

Williams issued a temporary restraining order and injunction that barred the enforcement of the new law statewide in April. The attorney general’s office then unsuccessfully petitioned the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to override that decision. Uthmeier has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case.

After Williams issued her original order, Uthmeier sent a memo to state and local law enforcement officers telling them to refrain from enforcing the law, even though he disagreed with the injunction. But five days later, he sent a memo saying the judge was legally wrong and that he couldn’t prevent police officers and deputies from enforcing the law.

The judge last month found Uthmeier to be in civil contempt of her ruling.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like

Veteran SC State Representative Asserts Experience as Key Qualifier for Congressional Bid

CHARLESTON, SC — Mark Smith, a self-proclaimed conservative and small business owner,…

Savannah Pride Faces Major Financial Setback: $30,000 Funding Loss and Its Impact

The city of Savannah, Georgia, finds itself witnessing a significant financial challenge…

Trump Halts Trade Negotiations with Canada Following Reagan Tariff Advertisement

On Thursday, President Trump declared an end to trade talks with Canada,…

Tropical Storm Melissa Set to Intensify Rapidly: Caribbean Braces for Impact

SAN JUAN – On Friday morning, Tropical Storm Melissa made its way…

Georgia’s Gridiron Glory: Highlights and Standout Performances from Week 9 of the 2025 Football Season

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Georgia Tech continues its winning streak with a decisive…

Trump Reverses Decision on Federal Force in San Francisco After Influential Talks with Tech Leaders and Mayor

SAN FRANCISCO – President Donald Trump was poised to deploy federal forces…

Groundbreaking Starts on Polk Parkway Expansion to State Road 60

In a significant development for Polk County, Florida, a groundbreaking ceremony marked…

Intel Bounces Back: Profitable Amidst Market Share Battle – What Investors Need to Know

NEW YORK – Once a towering figure in America’s tech landscape, Intel…