The Supreme Court usually issues rulings that are in favor of the Republicans’ agenda. But not this time.
As a top GOP governor is shaking with anger after what the Supreme Court just ruled.
Supreme Court Rejects Florida’s Bid to Enforce Immigration Law
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court unanimously blocked Florida from enforcing a new law targeting illegal immigration, delivering a significant setback to the state’s efforts. The court’s order, which carried no dissenting votes or detailed explanation, simply read, “The application for stay presented to Justice Thomas and by him referred to the Court is denied.”
This decision upholds an earlier ruling by US District Judge Kathleen Williams, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, who halted the law in April. The Supreme Court’s action keeps Williams’ injunction in place as the legal fight over the law continues in lower courts.
Details of Florida’s Law
Signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis in February, the measure made entering Florida as an illegal immigrant a misdemeanor offense. It formed part of a larger legislative effort by DeSantis to align with President Trump’s hardline immigration policies.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier defended the law as critical to protecting residents from what he described as “the deluge of illegal immigration.”
In his appeal to the Supreme Court, Uthmeier argued, “If a State’s police powers are powers at all, they allow a State to criminalize harms destructive to the community,” as reported by the Tallahassee Democrat.
Seventeen states and the Trump administration rallied behind Florida, filing briefs to support the state’s appeal. However, immigrant rights groups, representing two unnamed Florida-based migrants living in the US illegally, challenged the law, asserting that immigration enforcement is exclusively a federal responsibility.
Immigrant Rights Groups Celebrate
Cody Wofsy, Deputy Director of the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project, celebrated the ruling, stating, “This denial reaffirms a bedrock principle that dates back 150 years: States may not regulate immigration.”
He emphasized, “It is past time for states to get the message.” Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, echoed this sentiment, saying, “This ruling affirms what the Constitution demands — that immigration enforcement is a federal matter and that no one should be stripped of their liberty without due process.”
Jackson added that Florida’s law “put thousands of people at risk of unjust detention, separation, and abuse.”
Florida’s Continued Fight
Despite the ruling, Florida’s Attorney General’s office remains confident. Press secretary Jae Williams stated, “The law passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor DeSantis is important to Florida’s future, and we believe it will prevail on the merits.”
As the legal battle continues, the Supreme Court’s decision highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal powers over immigration.
Advocates for immigrant rights hailed the ruling as a victory for constitutional clarity, while Florida vows to press forward in defending its law.
“We are grateful the Court upheld the block, and we remain committed to defending the rights and humanity of all Floridians,” Bacardi declared.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
