02-05-2025
Florida Attorney General reviewing federal judge's immigration order amid 'contempt' talk
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said his office is reviewing a federal judge's order blocking parts of Florida's immigration law and is preparing an official response.
He made the brief remarks during a press conference in Fort Myers May 2.
"I'm going through her order,' Uthmeier said. "I'm talking to counsel. I don't have an official statement on that right now, but I expect they'll have one today (May 2)."
His remarks come just days after U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a preliminary injunction blocking parts of a law signed earlier this year (SB 4-C) that made it a state crime for undocumented immigrants to enter or re-enter Florida.
The judge ruled the law likely encroaches on federal authority over immigration, citing federal supremacy over immigration enforcement and warning that the statute could interfere with federal discretion. The Attorney General's office has appealed the ruling.
But tensions escalated after an April 23 letter Uthmeier sent to law enforcement agencies. In it, he claimed 'no lawful, legitimate order currently impedes (their) agencies from continuing to enforce' the law. Williams scheduled a May 29 hearing to consider contempt or sanctions against Uthmeier for potentially undermining her ruling.
Uthmeier has argued that law enforcement agencies are not defendants in the case and thus not bound by the court's order.
But that stance is not shared by all. Second Judicial Circuit State Attorney Jack Campbell directed officers in his district to cease enforcement of the immigration law or risk contempt.
More: Florida state attorney warns police to stop enforcing immigration law or risk contempt
Florida has become a key player in efforts to expand local involvement in immigration enforcement. Florida now leads the nation in ICE 287(g) task force partnerships, which allow trained local officers to assist in identifying and detaining suspected undocumented immigrants. All 67 county sheriff's offices are now part of the initiative.
Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state's new Board of Immigration Enforcement have emphasized full cooperation with federal immigration authorities. In March, the board announced an accountability dashboard designed to flag local agencies that don't make 'best efforts' to enforce immigration law, potentially subjecting them to judicial review or removal from office.
In April, Florida law enforcement joined federal agents in "Operation Tidal Wave,' described as the largest joint immigration operation in state history. Over six days, ICE reported 1,120 arrests statewide, the most in a single week in one state in the agency's history. Officials said nearly two-thirds of those arrested had previous criminal records. But immigration advocates have raised red flags over civil liberties, saying some detained individuals had only minor offenses or pending asylum claims.
Fort Myers became a flashpoint in the immigration debate after its city council initially rejected a proposed 287(g) agreement. Council members cited concerns over racial profiling, cost and strained community trust. In response, Uthmeier called the decision 'very troubling' and threatened to have his office investigate whether the council violated state law. The council reversed course in an emergency session after receiving new legal guidance, voting unanimously to approve the partnership.
In Tallahassee, city officials debated the police department's 287(g) agreement with ICE. City commissioners questioned the legal necessity of the move and criticized the process, while city and police officials defended it as compliance with state law.
The legal battle over Florida's immigration law remains unresolved. The outcome of the state's appeal and the upcoming contempt hearing could shape the future of how immigration laws are enforced across the state.
Contributing: C.A. Bridges, USA TODAY Network - Florida.
Mickenzie Hannon is a watchdog reporter for The News-Press and Naples Daily News, covering Collier and Lee counties. Contact her at 239-435-3423 or mhannon@
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida AG Uthmeier comments on immigration ruling in Fort Myers
