Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is facing the potential of contempt charges after a federal judge ordered him to stop enforcing a state immigration law. The law allows Florida’s state law enforcement to prosecute illegal immigrants with misdemeanors if they are found attempting to evade federal immigration authorities.
U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, appointed by President Obama, ruled that the law may be unconstitutional. She argued that immigration enforcement is solely a federal responsibility under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution. In her decision, Williams called for Uthmeier to direct law enforcement to cease enforcing the law.
However, Uthmeier pushed back, asserting that Florida has the right to protect its borders, especially from individuals trying to evade federal immigration enforcement. “I refuse to comply with that directive,” Uthmeier said, emphasizing that the court overstepped its bounds by attempting to halt state enforcement of immigration laws.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) had filed a lawsuit to block the law, and Williams’ ruling supports their stance. If Uthmeier ignores the court’s order, he could face contempt charges, which might lead to him being arrested by U.S. Marshals. This could set the stage for a larger conflict with the Trump administration’s Justice Department, which oversees the Marshals.
The ACLU celebrated the ruling, calling it a victory for human rights and justice. “This court decision reminds Florida lawmakers that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, not something for states to manipulate,” said Bacardi Jackson of the ACLU of Florida.
On the other hand, Uthmeier stood firm in his position, arguing that the law simply empowers Florida to enforce federal immigration policies at the state level to protect its citizens. He plans to appeal the decision and continue fighting the ruling, maintaining that the law is within Florida’s constitutional rights. The judge, however, expressed concern over Uthmeier’s refusal to comply and suggested she might issue a preliminary injunction against the law.
This standoff between the state and federal authorities could lead to a significant legal battle over the limits of state power in immigration enforcement.