Federal Judge Blocks Controversial SB 4-C Immigration Law in Florida

• Judge Blocks Florida Immigration Law
• Expanded Protection for More People
• Florida Appeals Recent Court Ruling

A U.S. federal judge has extended the order blocking enforcement of Florida’s SB 4-C law, which classified the entry of undocumented migrants—as well as individuals legally present in the country—into the state as a felony.

The ruling, issued by the district judge, stated that the law is likely unconstitutional. As a result, a preliminary injunction has been granted while the legal process continues in court.

SB 4-C allowed for the arrest and imprisonment of individuals who entered the country without inspection, regardless of whether they had since regularized their immigration status or committed any other offense.

Furthermore, the law required that detainees be held in pretrial detention without regard to their individual circumstances.

SB 4-C: Judge Blocks Florida Immigration Law

Court extends injunction against law criminalizing undocumented migrants entering Florida
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Multiple immigrant rights organizations argued that the law was not only cruel but also violated federal law and the constitutional rights of those affected.

The judge extended legal protections beyond the original plaintiffs, clarifying that the ruling would benefit anyone who might have been arrested under this law.

Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, praised the decision, calling it a victory for human rights and immigrant families.

“This is a victory for human rights, for immigrant families, for justice, for the rule of law, and for everyone who believes in the Constitution,” said Jackson.

Miami Judge Orders Florida Police to Halt Enforcement of New Immigration Law

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Oscar Sarabia Román, an attorney with the ACLU’s Immigrant Rights Project, emphasized that the court ruling showed the law “goes too far.”

He also noted that the decision made it clear that Florida attempted to sidestep federal immigration law by criminalizing entry into the state—when it is Congress, not state politicians, that holds authority over immigration rules.

Despite the court’s ruling, the state of Florida has already appealed the decision.

For now, however, the law cannot be enforced, providing temporary relief for thousands of immigrant families living in the state.

The court also ordered attorneys representing Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to appear in May to explain why they should not be sanctioned for contempt.

This follows a letter Uthmeier sent on April 23 stating that no court order was in place prohibiting enforcement of SB 4-C.

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Source: EFE