Florida to Crack Down: New Law Targets Illegal Immigration by Making Entry a Crime

Florida’s attorney general is taking steps to enforce a controversial new law. This law makes it a misdemeanor for individuals in the U.S. illegally to enter Florida by avoiding immigration officials. Attorney General James Uthmeier recently asked a federal court in Miami to lift a ruling that currently blocks the law’s enforcement while an appeal is in the works.

Uthmeier argues that the law is simply an extension of Florida’s rights to protect its citizens and support federal immigration rules. However, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams highlighted concerns, stating there’s a good chance the law might be ruled unconstitutional.

The judge’s order affects all local law enforcement in Florida. She’s also scheduled a hearing for May to discuss whether Uthmeier should face consequences for his actions regarding the law. This came after he previously sent conflicting memos to law enforcement about the injunction.

The law has faced pushback since its introduction. A lawsuit by the Florida Immigrant Coalition, with backing from organizations like the ACLU, claims it violates federal law by overstepping states’ rights in immigration matters. Bacardi Jackson, ACLU of Florida’s executive director, criticized the law as being politically motivated rather than a legitimate public safety measure. “Immigration enforcement is a job for the federal government, not a tool for states,” Jackson stated.

As this situation unfolds, it’s essential to consider the broader implications of such laws. According to a recent survey, more than 60% of Americans believe immigration issues should be handled by the federal government rather than state officials. This indicates a significant divide on how immigration should be managed in the U.S., reflecting concerns about local law enforcement becoming involved in federal matters.

With immigration continuing to be a hot-button topic, many social media discussions reveal frustration over state-level initiatives that seem to exacerbate tensions. People are sharing experiences and raising awareness about how laws like these impact communities, particularly immigrants who may fear for their safety.

For more detailed information on U.S. immigration policies and state laws, you can visit [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services](https://www.uscis.gov) for official resources.

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Florida, James Uthmeier, General news, FL State Wire, Immigration, U.S. news, Politics, American Civil Liberties Union, Kathleen Williams, United States government, Law enforcement, Mike Schneider, Georgia state government