Supreme Court Blocks Florida Law Targeting Illegal Immigration

The U.S. Supreme Court has denied Florida’s request to enforce a controversial new law that criminalizes illegal immigrants entering the state, leaving the measure paused as legal challenges continue.

Key Points

• The high court rejected Florida’s emergency appeal without dissent and offered no written explanation.
• The law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in February, made it a misdemeanor to enter Florida as an illegal immigrant.
• U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams had already blocked the law in April, and the Supreme Court’s decision keeps that ruling in place.
• The law was part of DeSantis’ broader immigration crackdown and aligned with policies championed by former President Donald Trump.

Arguments For the Law

• Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier argued the law was necessary to combat illegal immigration and protect public safety.
• In a brief, Uthmeier said the state has the right to criminalize behaviors that harm its communities.
• Seventeen states and the Trump administration supported Florida’s appeal, emphasizing the impact of federal inaction on immigration.

Opposition and Legal Challenge

• Immigrants’ rights groups sued on behalf of two unnamed Florida migrants, arguing the law violates the Constitution.
• The ACLU contends that immigration enforcement is strictly a federal responsibility, not a state power.
• Cody Wofsy of the ACLU said the ruling “reaffirms a bedrock principle… States may not regulate immigration.”
• Bacardi Jackson, Executive Director of ACLU Florida, said the law “put thousands at risk of unjust detention and abuse.”

What Happens Next

• The lawsuit will continue in lower courts to determine the law’s constitutionality.
• Florida officials remain confident, with AG spokesperson Jae Williams stating, “We believe it will prevail on the merits.”

Why It Matters

• The case is part of a growing national debate over state versus federal authority in immigration matters.
• The Supreme Court’s decision signals that states may face steep hurdles in trying to independently enforce immigration laws.