Key Takeaways:
- Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier says police can still enforce a controversial immigration law, even though a federal judge temporarily blocked it.
- The law makes it a crime to enter Florida without proper legal status and increases penalties for re-entering the state illegally.
- A U.S. citizen was recently arrested under the law, raising concerns about its enforcement.
- Some law enforcement agencies, like the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, say they will follow the federal judge’s orders, not Uthmeier’s guidance.
- Gov. Ron DeSantis supports Uthmeier’s position, calling the law enforcement of immigration necessary.
What’s the Law About?
In February, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new immigration law that makes it a first-degree misdemeanor for someone to enter or re-enter Florida without legal authorization. The law also increases penalties for those who re-enter the state after being deported.
However, on April 4, a federal judge in Miami, Judge William Thomas, temporarily blocked the law, saying it likely violates federal immigration laws. Despite this, Attorney General Uthmeier recently told law enforcement agencies in a letter that they don’t have to follow the judge’s order. He believes the injunction doesn’t apply to them because they were not named in the lawsuit filed by immigrant rights groups.
A U.S. Citizen’s Arrest Sparks Controversy
The issue gained attention after Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez, a 20-year-old U.S. citizen born in Georgia, was arrested under the new law. Lopez-Gomez was stopped by a Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper. His arrest has raised questions about how the law is being enforced and whether it’s targeting the right people.
Judge William Thomas expressed frustration about the situation during a recent hearing. He made it clear that his order applies to law enforcement, but Uthmeier argues that it doesn’t because police agencies weren’t directly named in the lawsuit.
Law Enforcement’s Mixed Response
Not all police departments agree with Uthmeier’s guidance. Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri said his office will continue to follow the federal judge’s orders, not the Attorney General’s letter. “We take our direction from the judge, not from anybody else,” Gualtieri said.
On the other hand, the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has said it will keep working with federal immigration authorities to enforce the law. This mixed approach could lead to confusion and inconsistent enforcement across the state.
A Courtroom Showdown
The dispute over the law’s enforcement is far from over. The next court hearing is scheduled for April 29, and tensions are expected to rise. Judge William Thomas has already shown he’s unhappy with how the law is being enforced, and Uthmeier’s letter could make the situation even more heated.
Immigrant rights groups, including the Florida Immigrant Coalition, have criticized Uthmeier’s decision. “A federal judge entered not one, but two clear orders stopping enforcement of this law,” said a spokesperson for the group. “The Attorney General’s letter makes us gravely concerned that Floridians will continue to be arrested under this unconstitutional statute. We will be back in court to ensure their rights are protected.”
Political Backing for the Law
Gov. Ron DeSantis has strongly supported Uthmeier’s position. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), DeSantis defended the law, saying, “Immigration law must be enforced, and FL is leading on working with the Trump administration to get it done.”
DeSantis has also criticized Judge William Thomas, calling him an “activist judge” during a press conference earlier this month. The governor believes the law is necessary to address illegal immigration in Florida.
What’s Next?
The upcoming court hearing on April 29 could be a turning point in this legal battle. If Judge William Thomas rules in favor of the immigrant rights groups, the law could be permanently blocked. On the other hand, if the judge sides with the state, the law could go into full effect, leading to more arrests and stricter immigration enforcement in Florida.
For now, the situation remains uncertain. While some law enforcement agencies are following the federal judge’s orders, others are moving forward with enforcing the law. This divide could lead to further legal challenges and public debates about immigration policies in Florida.
As the case unfolds, one thing is clear: the enforcement of this law has sparked strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Whether you agree with the law or not, it’s an issue that will likely stay in the headlines for weeks to come. Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to develop.