The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit issued a strong rebuke to Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier on Friday, condemning his defiance of a court order blocking a controversial immigration enforcement law. The court’s ruling left in place a decision that prevents the state from enforcing a law granting local law enforcement the power to arrest undocumented immigrants, further intensifying the legal battle over Florida’s immigration policies.
Court’s Rejection of AG’s Appeal
The 11th Circuit judges — Embry Kidd, Kevin Newsom, and Jill Pryor — rejected Uthmeier’s request for a stay on a lower court’s ruling that blocked the enforcement of the state’s immigration law, SB 4-C. The law, signed into effect by Governor Ron DeSantis in February, makes it a first-degree misdemeanor for unauthorized aliens to enter Florida and grants state law enforcement the authority to arrest and prosecute undocumented immigrants.
In a 16-page ruling, the court criticized Uthmeier for his “veiled threat” to disregard a federal judge’s order, pointing out that he had not made a strong case for why the law should be enforced. The court questioned Uthmeier’s reasoning for local charges over federal enforcement, noting that federal officials are already responsible for immigration law enforcement and many Florida agencies already cooperate with federal authorities on such matters.
The court ruled that Uthmeier had not shown the irreparable harm necessary to justify overriding the lower court’s decision and leaving the law in effect. The judges also suggested that the Florida Attorney General’s office may lack standing to challenge parts of the order blocking state law enforcement’s involvement in immigration enforcement.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The legal battle began when U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on April 18, blocking the implementation of SB 4-C. Williams ruled that the law likely violated the Constitution by encroaching on the federal government’s role in immigration enforcement. On April 29, she issued a preliminary injunction, finding that the law was likely unconstitutional.
In response, Uthmeier directed law enforcement to cease immigration arrests but later modified his stance, stating that he “could not prevent” local agencies from carrying out the arrests. His legal team argued that the TRO did not explicitly bar him from expressing his views on the law to local law enforcement.
The ACLU of Florida, which is part of a challenge brought by the Florida Immigrant Coalition, Farmworker Association of Florida, and other impacted groups, applauded the court’s ruling as a victory for immigrant rights.
ACLU’s Response
Bacardi Jackson, the executive director of the ACLU of Florida, called the ruling “a resounding rejection of cruelty masquerading as policy.” She criticized SB 4-C as a tool for fear and racial profiling, accusing lawmakers of using the law to punish immigrants and divide communities.
“Florida lawmakers tried to use fear as law and racial profiling as governance. But the Constitution does not bend to political theater,” Jackson said in a statement. “This decision is a reminder that no matter how many times they try to turn back the clock on justice, we will meet them in court and in the streets — every single time. Our message is simple: immigrants belong, and we will never stop fighting for their freedom and dignity.”
Implications for Florida’s Immigration Policy
This ruling marks a significant legal defeat for Florida’s immigration enforcement measures and raises questions about the broader political and legal implications of SB 4-C. The case continues to highlight the ongoing tension between state and federal powers over immigration law enforcement, with the court reinforcing that such powers primarily lie with the federal government.
As the legal battle over SB 4-C progresses, Florida officials may face additional challenges in implementing the law, especially given the growing legal scrutiny and pushback from immigration advocates and civil rights groups.
