A federal judge in Florida has ruled that Attorney General James Uthmeier is in civil contempt of court for disregarding a temporary restraining order (TRO) that paused the enforcement of a state law criminalizing the entry of undocumented immigrants. The judge ordered Uthmeier to submit biweekly reports on arrests or law enforcement actions under the law, with the first report due by July 1.
The TRO was issued in response to a lawsuit filed by the Florida Immigrant Coalition and other groups, who argued that the law violated the rights of undocumented immigrants and could lead to the arrest of U.S. citizens. The court initially issued a 14-day stay on the law on April 4, and then extended it for another 11 days after learning that law enforcement had arrested over a dozen people, including a U.S. citizen.
Despite the court’s order, Uthmeier sent a follow-up letter to law enforcement agencies on April 23, telling them that the TRO did not legally prevent them from enforcing the immigration law. This stance led to the court’s ruling that Uthmeier was in contempt of court and was required to provide detailed reports on any arrests or law enforcement actions taken under the law.
The law, signed into effect by Governor Ron DeSantis in February, was part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to crack down on illegal immigration. However, the court’s ruling highlights the tension between state and federal authority, as well as the ethical and legal implications of enforcing such laws in the absence of a clear legal framework.
With the first biweekly report due by July 1, the judge’s order may have significant implications for how the law is enforced and how the state handles cases involving undocumented immigrants. The situation also raises important questions about the role of state officials in the face of conflicting legal mandates.