Latest news with #KathleenWilliams
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Supreme Court blocks Florida Immigration Law: What it means and will the state keep fighting it?
The Supreme Court of the United States has declined Florida 's request to enforce a controversial immigration law that would have made it a crime for individuals residing in the United States without legal status to enter the state. The decision, issued on Wednesday, marks a significant judicial setback for the Republican-led state government, even as it continues to pursue an appeal in the lower courts. Law's Enforcement Halted as Legal Dispute Proceeds The apex court's unsigned order provided no explanation for the decision and recorded no dissenting opinions, thereby allowing a previous injunction to remain in place. This maintains the ruling by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams, who in April had temporarily barred the implementation of the legislation, citing concerns over federal authority in immigration matters. The law, signed in February by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis , forms part of the state's broader crackdown on illegal immigration, a stance aligned with former President Donald Trump's national policy agenda. Under the new measure, individuals without legal immigration status who enter Florida could face misdemeanor charges. However, legal experts and immigrant rights groups have argued that immigration is a matter for the federal government, not individual states, as mentioned in a report by AP. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Simple Morning Habit for a Flatter Belly After 50! Lulutox Undo Also Read | Trump's approval rating: Did the Tax Bill improve the President's popularity ahead of midterms? Poll results inside Federalism at the Forefront The crux of the legal argument hinges on the balance of power between state and federal jurisdictions. Plaintiffs in the case, represented by immigrant advocacy organizations and two unnamed undocumented immigrants , maintain that the Florida statute violates the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, which reserves immigration enforcement as a federal responsibility. Live Events The American Civil Liberties Union ( ACLU ), which has spearheaded the legal challenge, cited the landmark 2012 ruling in Arizona v. United States , in which the Supreme Court held that immigration laws and enforcement are primarily federal responsibilities. Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, welcomed Wednesday's decision. '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,' she said in a statement. State's Legal Maneuvers and Controversy Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier , who has been leading the state's defense of the law, had petitioned both the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court to allow the measure to be enforced during the appeal process. However, the 11th Circuit also declined to lift the injunction and has scheduled an expedited hearing for October. Notably, Uthmeier was held in civil contempt in June by Judge Williams for allegedly directing law enforcement to continue enforcing the law in defiance of the court's injunction. Undeterred by the Supreme Court's refusal, Uthmeier's office confirmed that Florida will continue to pursue its appeal. A spokesperson remarked, 'Florida's sovereignty cannot be left up to the whims of the next presidential administration. This law is crucial to the state's future, and we remain committed to seeing it upheld.' Political and Legal Implications Governor Ron DeSantis, a vocal supporter of hardline immigration measures, had championed the legislation as part of his broader agenda to address what he and fellow conservatives call the federal government's "failure" on border enforcement. The law's language mirrors certain provisions of federal immigration statutes, including penalties for reentry after deportation. Supporters, including figures aligned with the Trump campaign, argue that the Florida immigration law "complements federal law" and is necessary to mitigate the social and economic burdens of undocumented immigration on state resources. However, critics contend that state-level immigration enforcement risks undermining constitutional protections and opens the door to racial profiling and overreach. Legal scholars also warn that such legislation could create legal inconsistencies and jeopardize cooperative relationships between state and federal authorities. Broader Legislative Agenda and 'Alligator Alcatraz' Attorney General Uthmeier has also been linked to a new initiative for a state-run immigration detention center, dubbed 'Alligator Alcatraz.' The proposed facility, however, is already facing legal challenges from environmental advocacy groups, further complicating the state's immigration agenda. Will Florida Persist? Despite judicial headwinds, the state of Florida appears committed to defending the controversial immigration law. The outcome of the appeal in the 11th Circuit will be crucial in determining whether the state's authority to criminalize unauthorized reentry stands. While the Supreme Court's latest ruling may appear as a temporary victory for immigration advocates, the broader legal fight over state-level immigration enforcement is far from over. FAQs What was Florida's immigration law trying to do? The law, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis in February, sought to criminalize the act of entering Florida by anyone residing in the U.S. without legal immigration status. It aimed to charge such individuals with a misdemeanor offense. Why was the law blocked from being enforced? U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a preliminary injunction in April, citing concerns that immigration enforcement is a federal—not state—responsibility under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Immigration suit: US Supreme Court rejects Florida's petition to enforce new law; state plans to continue appeal
AP image The US Supreme Court on Wednesday declined Florida's request to allow the state to enforce parts of its new immigration law that had been blocked by a lower court, NBC news reported. The court's brief order did not explain why it refused the emergency request from Florida's attorney general. The case centres on a law signed this year by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis that makes it a crime for someone to enter Florida if they previously entered the United States illegally or re-entered after being deported. Two immigration groups and two undocumented immigrants challenged the law in court. In April, US District Judge Kathleen Williams temporarily blocked the state from enforcing it. Last month, she also held Attorney General James Uthmeier in civil contempt, saying he had tried to defy her order. A three-judge panel of the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals refused to pause Judge Williams' ruling and set an expedited schedule to hear the appeal in October. In documents to the Supreme Court, Florida argued its law aligns with federal immigration policy. The Trump administration, supporting Florida, argued the state law 'complements' federal law and is nearly identical to federal rules about illegal entry and re-entry. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giá vàng đang tăng mạnh trong năm 2025 — Các nhà giao dịch thông minh đã tham gia IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo However, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), representing the challengers, told the Supreme Court that similar state laws have been struck down in recent years. They also cited a 2012 Supreme Court ruling in Arizona vs United States, which said immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility. Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, welcomed the court's decision. '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,' Jackson said. A spokesperson for Attorney General Uthmeier's office said Florida will continue its appeal in the 11th Circuit. 'Florida's sovereignty cannot be left up to the whims of the next presidential administration,' spokesperson Jae Williams said, adding that the law is important for Florida's future and needs to be upheld in the court.
Al Arabiya
6 days ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Supreme Court Keeps Hold On Florida Immigration Law Aimed At People In The Us Illegally
The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to allow Florida to enforce an immigration law making it a crime for people who are living in the US illegally to enter the state. The high court's action will keep the law on hold while a legal challenge continues. The court did not explain its decision, and no justice noted a dissent. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law in February in support of President Donald Trump's push to crack down on illegal immigration. Immigrants' rights groups filed lawsuits on behalf of two unnamed Florida-based immigrants living in the US illegally, arguing that immigration is a federal issue beyond the power of the states. US District Judge Kathleen Williams barred the enforcement of the new law in April. The attorney general's office then unsuccessfully petitioned the 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals to override that decision. The law is similar to a Texas law that also has been blocked by a federal appeals court.
Al Arabiya
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Florida Asks Supreme Court to Reinstate Immigration Law as Lower Courts Weigh Constitutionality
The Florida attorney general asked the US Supreme Court on Monday to allow the state to enforce a new immigration law that makes it a misdemeanor for people living in the US illegally to enter the state. The petition is the latest in a months-long battle between Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and US District Judge Kathleen Williams. Last week, Williams held Uthmeier in contempt for instructing officers to continue enforcing the new law despite the judge's orders to stop enforcement until the courts decide whether the law is constitutional. The attorney general's appeal to the Supreme Court said the state has a right to use the law to protect itself from the harm of illegal immigration. 'The legislation tracks federal law, and the injunction shouldn't cover every officer in the state who never had their day in court,' the appeal argued. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law in February as part of President Donald Trump's push to crack down on illegal immigration, though many of Trump's immigration enforcement efforts are mired in battles with federal judges. Immigrants' rights groups filed lawsuits on behalf of two unnamed Florida-based immigrants living in the US illegally shortly after the bill was signed into law. The lawsuit said that the new legislation violates the Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution by encroaching on federal duties. Williams issued a temporary restraining order and injunction that barred the enforcement of the new law statewide in April. The attorney general's office then unsuccessfully petitioned the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to override that decision. After Williams issued her original order, Uthmeier sent a memo to state and local law enforcement officers telling them to refrain from enforcing the law even though he disagreed with the injunction. But five days later, he sent a memo saying the judge was legally wrong and that he couldn't prevent police officers and deputies from enforcing the law. 'Again, he may well be right that the district court's order is impermissibly broad,' the appellate judges said of Uthmeier. 'But that does not warrant what seems to have been at least a veiled threat not to obey it.'
Associated Press
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Associated Press
Florida asks Supreme Court to reinstate immigration law as lower courts weigh constitutionality
The Florida Attorney General asked the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday to allow the state to enforce a new immigration law that makes it a misdemeanor for people living in the U.S. illegally to enter the state. The petition is the latest in a months-long battle between Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and district U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams. Last week Williams held Uthmeier in contempt for instructing officers to continue enforcing the new law despite the judge's orders to stop enforcement until the courts decide whether the law is constitutional. The attorney general's appeal to the Supreme Court said the state has a right to use the law to protect itself from the harm of illegal immigration. The legislation tracks federal law and the injunction shouldn't cover every officer in the state 'who never had their day in court,' the appeal argued. Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the legislation into law in February as part of President Donald Trump's push to crack down on illegal immigration, though many of Trump's immigration enforcement efforts are mired in battles with federal judges. Immigrants rights groups filed lawsuits on behalf of two unnamed, Florida-based immigrants living in the U.S. illegally shortly after the bill was signed into law. The lawsuit said that the new legislation violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by encroaching on federal duties. Williams issued a temporary restraining order and injunction that barred the enforcement of the new law statewide in April. The attorney general's office then unsuccessfully petitioned the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals to override that decision. After Williams issued her original order, Uthmeier sent a memo to state and local law enforcement officers telling them to refrain from enforcing the law, even though he disagreed with the injunction. But five days later, he sent a memo saying the judge was legally wrong and that he couldn't prevent police officers and deputies from enforcing the law. 'Again, he may well be right that the district court's order is impermissibly broad,' the appellate judges said of Uthmeier. 'But that does not warrant what seems to have been at least a veiled threat not to obey it.' ___ Riddle reported from Montgomery, Alabama. Riddle is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
