A U.S. federal appeals court has halted the implementation of a controversial anti-immigration law championed by Governor Ron DeSantis in Florida, citing potential constitutional issues. The legislation, known as SB 4-C, criminalizes irregular migration in the state and has faced strong opposition from civil rights organizations.
The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, based in Atlanta, unanimously denied Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's request to lift a previous court order that blocked the law's enforcement since last month, as reported by the EFE news agency.
Driven by Governor DeSantis, SB 4-C makes it a state crime to enter the country without inspection, regardless of whether the individuals have later regularized their status or committed no other crimes. It also mandates pretrial detention for individuals arrested under this statute, without considering their personal circumstances.
A Legal Battle Against SB 4-C
The court underscored that the legislation "is likely unconstitutional," which has led to its suspension pending the ongoing legal proceedings. The law was passed in February 2025 and quickly challenged by immigrant advocacy groups, who deemed it a violation of federal law and basic constitutional rights.
The lawsuit was filed by the Florida Immigrant Coalition, the Farmworker Association of Florida, and several affected individuals, representing all those potentially harmed by the law. "This decision is not just a legal victory, but a resounding rejection of cruelty masquerading as policy," declared Bacardi Jackson, Executive Director of the ACLU of Florida, in a statement. She criticized the law as a "blatant abuse of power" aimed at punishing immigrants and dividing communities through fear and racial discrimination.
Broader Implications and State Challenges
Cody Wofsy, Deputy Director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Rights Project, pointed out that this ruling is part of a series of similar decisions in Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma, where other state anti-immigration laws have been blocked. "It's time for states to get the message: state immigration laws are unconstitutional," Wofsy concluded.
SB 4-C is part of a broader effort to toughen immigration policies promoted by DeSantis, who has made irregular immigration a central element of his political agenda. However, experts in constitutional and immigration law have warned that regulating immigration falls under the exclusive jurisdiction of the federal government, making many state laws in this area questionable.
The appeals court's decision represents a significant judicial setback for the Florida government and sends a clear message about the legal boundaries of state action on immigration issues.
Legal and Constitutional Implications of SB 4-C
Why was Florida's SB 4-C law blocked by the court?
The court blocked SB 4-C because it is likely unconstitutional, as it criminalizes irregular migration in ways that may violate federal law and basic constitutional rights.
What organizations challenged the SB 4-C law?
The law was challenged by the Florida Immigrant Coalition, the Farmworker Association of Florida, and several individuals, representing those potentially affected by the law.
What is the broader impact of the court's decision?
The decision is part of a broader trend of courts blocking state-level anti-immigration laws, emphasizing that immigration regulation is a federal matter.