Despite a federal judge halting enforcement of a controversial Florida immigration law, some law enforcement officers are continuing to charge individuals under it. In July, two people were arrested under the statute, which bans people living in the U.S. illegally from entering Florida, even though the law is currently being challenged in court.
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Continued Enforcement Despite Court Ruling
In July, two men were arrested in Sarasota County, Florida, and charged with offenses related to driving without a valid license and driving under the influence of alcohol. However, both were also charged under the halted law, which made it a misdemeanor for people in the U.S. illegally to enter the state. U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams had earlier issued a ruling halting enforcement of the law, citing concerns over its legality.
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Florida Attorney General’s Report Requirements
As part of a punishment for defying the judge’s ruling, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier is required to file bimonthly reports to the court about any arrests, detentions, or enforcement actions made under the statute. The charges against the two men were noted in a recent report. The State Attorney’s Office later dismissed the illegal entry charges and requested that law enforcement officers be reminded of the judge’s order to halt enforcement.
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Concerns Over Immigration Detention Facility
In addition to the arrests, immigrant rights advocates have raised concerns about the continued use of an immigration detention facility in the Florida Everglades, known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” Attorneys for immigrant groups have alleged that state officials are using the blocked law as a justification to detain individuals at the facility. They provided evidence of an email from an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employee suggesting that the state is relying on the now-blocked law to hold detainees.
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Court’s Response to Violations
Attorneys for the immigrant rights groups have asked the court to investigate the potential violation of the judge’s injunction, asking Florida state officials to clarify the legal authority under which they are holding individuals at the Everglades detention facility. The court has yet to issue a ruling on this matter.
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