Federal judge orders local law enforcement to stop enforcing new immigration law
Share and Follow


A federal judge in Florida said an order that blocks local police from enforcing a new state immigration law applied to all local agencies despite the state’s attorney general stating otherwise in a recent memo.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams told attorneys for the state during a hearing in Miami on Tuesday that she planned to issue a preliminary injunction against a statute that makes it a misdemeanor for undocumented migrants to enter Florida by eluding immigration officials.

Williams said she was “surprised and shocked” that Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier told local police in a letter last week that they didn’t need to follow her order. 

“What I am offended by is someone suggesting you don’t have to follow my order, that it’s not legitimate,” Williams said.

After the extension, Uthmeier sent a memo to state and local law enforcement officers telling them to stop enforcing the law, even though he disagreed with the judge’s order. 

Five days later, however, Uthmeier sent another memo saying that the judge was legally wrong and that he couldn’t prevent local police officers and deputies from enforcing the law. 

No additional arrests have been reported since Uthmeier’s second memo.

Fox News Digital’s Julia Bonavita and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Dwight Schrute From ‘The Office’ Gets His Own Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair Set

Dwight Schrute from ‘The Office’ Inspired Magic: The Gathering Secret Lair Set Unveiled

Magic: The Gathering is diving deeper into pop culture crossovers — and…
Kim Kardashian is outshone by daughter North West, 12, at SKIMS event

North West, 12, Steals the Spotlight from Kim Kardashian at SKIMS Event

Kim Kardashian made a splash with her outfit at her NikeSKIMS store launch…
Some comics blast Riyadh Comedy Festival over Saudi rights abuses

Comedians Critique Riyadh Comedy Festival Amid Concerns Over Saudi Human Rights Issues

(The Hill) – Several U.S. comedians are blasting the star-studded Riyadh Comedy…
FBI agents fired after kneeling at George Floyd protest in 2020: reports

FBI agents fired after kneeling at George Floyd protest in 2020: reports

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The FBI has fired…

Floods in Rural Arizona Leave 3 Dead and Several Missing

GLOBE, Ariz. (AP) — Three people have died and others are believed…
ICE promised 's*** show' in Chicago suburb, officials say

ICE Predicted ‘Chaotic Event’ in Chicago Suburb, According to Officials

() Officials in the western Chicago suburb of Broadview say Immigration and…
Why I can't wait for my son to divorce Bonnie Blue

Eagerly Anticipating My Son’s Divorce from Bonnie Blue

When Ollie Davidson took the field for Long Eaton RFC last weekend,…
Chicago Police Department holds annual 'Brunch en Blanc' in Bronzeville for families of loved ones lost to violence

The Chicago Police Department Hosts Annual ‘Brunch en Blanc’ in Bronzeville for Families Impacted by Violence Losses

CHICAGO (WLS) — For the fourth year, the Chicago Police Department hosted…