Florida Attorney General Held in Contempt for Defying Court Order on Immigration Law

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams found Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in civil contempt on Tuesday for defying a court order that barred enforcement of the state's new immigration law. The judge criticized Uthmeier for offering "a series of implausible interpretations" of her order, which she deemed unbelievable. The case involves a challenge to Florida's immigration laws, signed by Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this year, which make it a misdemeanor for individuals in the country illegally to enter or reenter the state. Judge Williams issued a restraining order in April to halt enforcement of the law, but Uthmeier later informed state agencies that no judicial order restrained them from making arrests under the statute.

Judge Williams emphasized that litigants cannot alter the plain meaning of court orders to suit their purposes. She ordered Uthmeier to file biweekly reports detailing any arrests or law enforcement actions under the statute, with the first report due by July 1. Failure to comply could result in further court actions. Uthmeier, who previously served as Governor DeSantis's chief of staff, has not attended hearings in the case and has publicly defended his actions, stating on social media that he would not back down from enforcing the law, even if it meant being held in contempt.

The judge noted that Uthmeier initially complied with the restraining order by instructing agencies like the Florida Highway Patrol to refrain from enforcement. However, five days later, he reversed his stance, leading to the contempt ruling. The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for immigration policy and the rule of law. Uthmeier's defiance has been framed as part of a broader effort to uphold former President Donald Trump's immigration agenda. The judge's order also requires Uthmeier to notify the court immediately if any arrests under the statute occur.