James Uthmeier sworn in as Florida Attorney General
Deputy Alex Mercado honored for public service award
Migrants waiting for U.S. Border Patrol processing
Gov. Ron DeSantis at Red Mass with James Uthmeier
Migrants transported for processing by Border Patrol
Kirsten Bridegan receives Back the Blue Award
James Uthmeier sworn in surrounded by family

James Uthmeier sworn in as Florida Attorney General

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a lower court's block on Florida’s immigration law that sought to criminalize the entry of undocumented immigrants. The law, championed by Florida officials, faced legal challenges after U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams denied Attorney General James Uthmeier’s request to lift the injunction. Williams ruled that the law infringes on federal authority over immigration policy.

Deputy Alex Mercado honored for public service award

ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project Deputy Director Cody Wofsy said, “This denial reaffirms a bedrock principle that dates back 150 years: States may not regulate immigration.”

Migrants waiting for U.S. Border Patrol processing

The Florida law imposes mandatory minimums on undocumented immigrants lacking federal clearance. The ACLU opposed it, arguing it oversteps state authority.

Gov. Ron DeSantis at Red Mass with James Uthmeier

After Williams blocked the law in April, Florida officials requested emergency Supreme Court intervention in June. The Court denied the request, and the 11th Circuit upheld the injunction.

Migrants transported for processing by Border Patrol

Uthmeier's spokesperson Jae Williams said, “Florida’s sovereignty cannot be left up to the whims of the next presidential administration.” He added, “The law passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor DeSantis is important to Florida’s future, and we believe it will prevail on the merits.”

Kirsten Bridegan receives Back the Blue Award

The ACLU argued the law intrudes on federal authority and threatens constitutional rights. Florida officials claim it aligns with federal policy, but the legal fight highlights a broader trend of states advancing similar laws, raising civil rights concerns.

James Uthmeier sworn in surrounded by family

Uthmeier's office plans to appeal the ruling in the 11th Circuit. ACLU of Florida Executive Director Bacardi Jackson said, “This ruling affirms what the Constitution demands — that immigration enforcement is a federal matter and that no one should be stripped of their liberty without due process.”

John Baker covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.