Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier was held in civil contempt by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams after continuing to enforce a state law criminalizing undocumented entry—despite a court-issued restraining order blocking its enforcement. The law, passed in February, includes penalties of up to nine months in jail for illegal entry or re-entry.
Judge Williams found Uthmeier’s actions—sending a follow-up memo instructing enforcement despite the injunction—constituted defiance of the court’s clear mandate. She has ordered him to submit bi-weekly reports detailing any related arrests or detentions. The ruling comes after the Eleventh Circuit denied his request to delay the injunction, signaling that the law is likely unconstitutional.
Uthmeier defended his stance, stating publicly that any consequences were a “price worth paying” in support of a strict immigration agenda aligned with former President Trump and Governor DeSantis. However, the court emphasized that no official is above its orders, upholding the principle of judicial authority.