• The U.S. Supreme Court declined to lift an injunction blocking Florida’s new immigration law, SB 4-C, which imposes criminal penalties on undocumented migrants entering the state. The law remains suspended as a legal challenge continues in federal court, with critics arguing it contradicts federal immigration authority and constitutional protections.

WASHINGTON, DC (TDR) — The U.S. Supreme Court has left in place a lower court’s decision blocking the enforcement of a controversial Florida immigration law, known as SB 4-C, while litigation over its constitutionality proceeds.

The measure, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis earlier this year, makes it a misdemeanor offense for undocumented migrants to enter Florida. Legal challenges from civil rights groups and affected individuals argue that the law infringes on federal immigration authority.

Federal judge’s injunction upheld

In April, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams granted a temporary restraining order barring the law’s enforcement, ruling it was likely unconstitutional. The decision was upheld by the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta, prompting Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to seek emergency intervention from the Supreme Court.

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However, the justices declined to pause the injunction on Wednesday. The high court did not issue a written opinion or note any dissents, leaving Judge Williams’ ruling in effect.

“Litigants cannot change the plain meaning of words as it suits them, especially when conveying a court’s clear and unambiguous order,” Judge Williams wrote in her earlier decision.

Legal dispute extends beyond the law’s merits

The case has also led to additional controversy involving Attorney General Uthmeier, whom Judge Williams found in civil contempt for undermining her directive. Initially, Uthmeier sent a letter to Florida law enforcement instructing them to comply with the court’s injunction.

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But five days later, he circulated a follow-up message stating that “no lawful, legitimate order currently impedes your agencies from continuing to enforce” the law—an assertion Judge Williams strongly rejected.

As a result, she ordered Uthmeier to submit biweekly reports detailing whether any arrests or detentions have occurred under SB 4-C despite the court’s order.

“Fidelity to the rule of law can have no other meaning,” she emphasized in her contempt finding.

Political and legal implications

SB 4-C was passed alongside broader immigration measures announced by President Trump aimed at mass deportations and stricter border controls. Critics argue that state-level immigration laws like Florida’s intrude on federal authority and undermine a unified national policy.

Supporters say the legislation is necessary to protect Florida communities from what they describe as the consequences of illegal immigration.

Governor DeSantis and Attorney General Uthmeier have defended the measure as a lawful effort to address what they call a failure of federal immigration enforcement.

Next steps in litigation

The lawsuit challenging SB 4-C was filed by two migrants and nonprofit organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, who allege the law violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution by attempting to override federal immigration authority.

The case will now proceed through the federal court system, with further hearings expected later this year.

Meanwhile, Judge Williams’ injunction remains in place, and the Florida government is prohibited from enforcing SB 4-C.

What should be the balance between state and federal authority on immigration enforcement? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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