Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier faces possible contempt charges after U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ordered him to halt enforcement of a state immigration law deemed potentially unconstitutional.
The law permits charging undocumented immigrants with misdemeanors for avoiding federal authorities.
Williams, an Obama appointee, emphasized that immigration enforcement falls solely under federal jurisdiction. Uthmeier defied the order, claiming the court lacked authority and that the state has a right to protect its borders.
The ACLU, which filed the lawsuit, praised the ruling as a victory for human rights. Uthmeier, however, vowed to continue defending the law, arguing it supports federal enforcement and safeguards Floridians.
A contempt ruling could lead to Uthmeier’s arrest by U.S. Marshals, igniting a broader political clash.
