Federal Appeals Court Upholds Injunction Blocking Florida Immigration Law

A federal appeals court has upheld a preliminary injunction blocking Florida's new immigration law, Senate Bill 4-C, which criminalizes undocumented immigrants entering the state. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Attorney General James Uthmeier's request to stay the injunction, stating that federal immigration law likely preempts the state law and that Uthmeier did not sufficiently demonstrate that the district court was wrong. The court also declined to limit the injunction's scope solely to Uthmeier and state attorneys, affirming that it applies broadly to law enforcement across Florida. Uthmeier faces possible contempt of court proceedings after a letter he sent was interpreted as encouraging officials to disregard the injunction. The law, passed during a special legislative session, aimed to align state penalties with federal immigration statutes, but courts have raised concerns about conflicts with federal authority and discretionary detention policies. The legal battle continues as the injunction remains in place, preventing enforcement of the law while the case proceeds.