Florida AG Uthmeier Held in Contempt Over Defiance of Immigration Law Block

In a fiery clash over Florida’s tough new immigration law, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams held Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in civil contempt on Tuesday for defying her order to pause enforcement. The law, signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in February, criminalizes entry into the state by undocumented immigrants, aligning with President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration stance.

Judge Williams issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on April 4, halting the law after a lawsuit from the Florida Immigrant Coalition and others. Despite initially complying by notifying law enforcement of the TRO, Uthmeier later sent a letter on April 23 urging officers to continue enforcement, claiming no 'legitimate' order blocked them. This prompted the court to demand he justify his actions.

Unswayed by Uthmeier’s defense, Williams ruled his letter violated her April 18 order, accusing him of twisting words to suit his agenda. Now, Uthmeier must submit bi-weekly reports on any arrests or detentions under the law, starting July 1, and immediately notify the court of any enforcement actions.

In a defiant post on X, Uthmeier declared, "If being held in contempt is what it costs to defend the rule of law and stand behind President Trump’s agenda, so be it." The ruling exposes the deepening rift between state and federal powers over immigration policy, with Florida’s leadership doubling down on its crackdown.