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Judge Holds Florida Attorney General in Contempt Over Immigration Law

Wednesday, June 18, 2025 by Albert Rivera

Judge Holds Florida Attorney General in Contempt Over Immigration Law
Migrants detained in Florida - Image by © X/@ICEgov

A federal judge in Miami has found Florida's Attorney General, James Uthmeier, in civil contempt for disregarding a court order temporarily halting the enforcement of a controversial state law. This legislation criminalizes undocumented immigrants entering the state. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that Uthmeier violated her April 23rd order by inaccurately informing law enforcement that there was "no judicial order" preventing the enforcement of the law, which is currently being challenged in court by immigrant rights organizations, as reported by Telemundo 51.

"Litigants cannot manipulate the straightforward meaning of words to suit their convenience, especially when conveying a clear and unequivocal court order. Fidelity to the rule of law must remain unwavering," Williams wrote in her decision.

Imposed Sanctions

As a corrective measure, the judge has mandated that Uthmeier submit biweekly reports detailing any arrests, detentions, or other police actions under the suspended law. This oversight will continue as long as the legal proceedings remain active. Furthermore, Judge Williams denied Uthmeier's request to stay the order during the appeal process, indicating the likelihood of the law being declared unconstitutional, according to Local 10 News.

Attorney General's Reaction

In a defiant social media post, Uthmeier stated, "If being found in contempt is the price for defending the rule of law and firmly supporting President Trump's agenda on illegal immigration, so be it." However, the judges of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals, who also denied his request for a stay, noted that the attorney general's stance appeared defiant and unhelpful to his case.

"He might be correct that the district court's order is overly broad... but that does not justify what seems to have been a veiled threat of noncompliance," the magistrates pointed out.

Background on the Challenged Law

The legislation, backed by Florida's state administration, criminalizes the entry of individuals without legal immigration status, categorizing it as a misdemeanor. The law quickly faced opposition from civil organizations and immigration attorneys who argue that it criminalizes human mobility and contradicts constitutional principles. This case has become a new point of tension between Florida's administration, the federal judiciary, and groups defending migrant rights, many of whom are of Latin American and Caribbean descent.

It is worth noting that in April, over 800 migrants were detained in Florida during the initial days of Operation Tidal Wave, a large-scale immigration enforcement effort driven by federal and state authorities. Through the 287(g) program, an initiative allowing local police to perform limited immigration enforcement duties, more than 230 law enforcement agencies signed agreements to participate, making Florida the state with the most collaborations of this kind across the country.

Key Questions on Florida's Immigration Law Controversy

What is the controversial Florida immigration law about?

The law criminalizes the entry of individuals without legal immigration status into Florida, categorizing it as a misdemeanor.

Why was Attorney General James Uthmeier found in contempt?

He was found in contempt for violating a court order that temporarily halted the enforcement of the immigration law by inaccurately informing law enforcement officials about the status of the order.

How did the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals respond to Uthmeier's request?

The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals denied his request to stay the order and noted that his defiant attitude did not aid his defense.

What is Operation Tidal Wave?

Operation Tidal Wave is a large-scale immigration enforcement effort conducted by federal and state authorities, resulting in the detention of over 800 migrants in Florida.

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