‘I’m Not Going to Cave’: Republican AG Slams Court Order

Florida Attorney General discusses teen vaping crisis

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U.S. District Judge Kathleen M. Williams has found Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in civil contempt for ignoring her injunction. The injunction previously suspended a law criminalizing unauthorized entry into Florida. The ruling followed a Miami hearing and is expected to impact state immigration policy.

Press conference on Office of Parental Rights

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Williams ordered Uthmeier to submit biweekly reports on arrests linked to the suspended law. Immigrant rights groups challenged the law, which the judge considers likely unconstitutional.

Award announcement for Law Enforcement Team of the Year

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Williams said, “Litigants cannot change the plain meaning of words as it suits them, especially when conveying a court’s clear and unambiguous order.” She added, “Fidelity to the rule of law can have no other meaning.”

Governor Ron DeSantis on hurricane preparedness

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Appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL), Uthmeier has expressed a commitment to enforcing the law despite consequences. His legal team argued the injunction is overly broad.

Donald Trump during CNN debate in Atlanta

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Uthmeier wrote, “If being held in contempt is what it costs to defend the rule of law and stand firmly behind President Trump’s agenda on illegal immigration, so be it.”

Senior Judge listens during a sentencing hearing

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Williams emphasized that court orders must be followed and legal terms cannot be reinterpreted. All arrests under the law must be reported, with noncompliance risking sanctions.

Gov. Ron DeSantis attends 50th annual Red Mass

Florida Attorney General discusses teen vaping crisis, Press conference on Office of Parental Rights, Award announcement for Law Enforcement Team of the Year, Governor Ron DeSantis on hurricane preparedness, Donald Trump during CNN debate in Atlanta, Senior Judge listens during a sentencing hearing, Gov. Ron DeSantis attends 50th annual Red Mass, Press conference on citizen and law enforcement protections

The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Uthmeier’s request to lift the injunction, citing his “seemingly defiant posture” toward Williams’ order. Though he initially told law enforcement not to enforce the law, he later claimed he lacked authority to stop arrests.

Press conference on citizen and law enforcement protections

Florida Attorney General discusses teen vaping crisis, Press conference on Office of Parental Rights, Award announcement for Law Enforcement Team of the Year, Governor Ron DeSantis on hurricane preparedness, Donald Trump during CNN debate in Atlanta, Senior Judge listens during a sentencing hearing, Gov. Ron DeSantis attends 50th annual Red Mass, Press conference on citizen and law enforcement protections

Uthmeier stated, “I’m not going to cave and renege on my oath to uphold and defend our state constitution and laws.”

Grace Hall covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.