Federal Judge Blocks Florida Immigration Law Backed by DeSantis | Immigration News

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a controversial immigration law in Florida, marking a significant blow to Governor Ron DeSantis’ hardline stance on immigration enforcement.

On Friday, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that the new state law—criminalizing the entry of undocumented immigrants into Florida—likely violates the U.S. Constitution. The judge issued a 14-day injunction and scheduled a hearing for April 18.

The ruling halts enforcement of a law passed in February during a special legislative session aimed at aligning Florida’s policies with those of former President Donald Trump. Under the law, undocumented immigrants entering Florida knowingly could face mandatory jail time—up to nine months.

According to Judge Williams, immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. “For nearly 150 years, the Supreme Court has held that the authority to regulate immigration—entry, admission, and removal—is exclusively federal,” she wrote in her decision.

The Lawsuit Behind the Ruling

The lawsuit was filed by two undocumented immigrants living in Florida, both members of the Florida Immigrant Coalition and the Farmworker Association of Florida. One plaintiff, a mother of four U.S.-born children, was previously deported. The other travels regularly with her disabled U.S.-born child.

They argued that enforcing the state law would expose them to arrest, prosecution, and detention—causing irreparable harm under an unconstitutional measure.

Williams noted that arrests were already being made under the law. Her decision emphasized that the statute restricts federal discretion and interferes with judicial processes that require the accused to be present in court.

Why This Matters?

Civil rights groups, including the ACLU of Florida, hailed the decision as a victory for immigrant communities and constitutional protections. Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida, said: “This is a critical win not just for immigrants and their families, but for everyone who defends the core principles of our Constitution.”

As the April 18 hearing approaches, all eyes will be on Florida. The outcome could shape immigration policy debates across the country.