Florida’s Attorney General and top state officials have pushed new anti-illegal immigration laws in 2025, putting Florida at the center of a heated national debate. A federal judge blocked the state’s Senate Bill 4-C (SB 4-C) in April, saying it likely violates the U.S. Constitution, but state leaders continue to fight for its enforcement.
Federal Court Blocks SB 4-C
On April 30, 2025, a federal judge extended an order stopping Florida from enforcing SB 4-C. This law would have made it a felony for certain undocumented immigrants to enter Florida, even if they later gained legal status or had no other criminal record. The judge said immigration enforcement is a federal job, not a state one, and that SB 4-C could hurt people who have done nothing wrong except enter the state without papers. The court’s order now protects anyone who could have been arrested under this law.
Contempt Proceedings Against Florida’s Attorney General
The judge also questioned Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier for possibly telling state agencies to keep enforcing SB 4-C, even after the court blocked it. The judge ordered Uthmeier’s lawyers to appear in court to explain why he should not be held in contempt. This legal fight shows the deep disagreement between Florida’s leaders and the federal courts over who controls immigration enforcement.
Florida Appeals to the Supreme Court
Governor orders law enforcement agencies to sign 287(g) agreements
Federal judge blocks SB 4-C
Florida Attorney General appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court
Florida and federal government discuss settlement proposals
States pass at least 34 new immigration laws
On June 24, 2025, Florida’s Attorney General asked the U.S. Supreme Court to let the state enforce SB 4-C. The state argues it has the right to protect itself from illegal immigration, especially when it believes the federal government is not doing enough. This request comes after lower courts blocked the law and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Florida’s earlier appeal.
State-Federal Legal Battles and Settlement Talks
Florida is also trying to settle lawsuits with the federal government over immigration policies from the Biden administration. In June 2025, both sides asked the 11th Circuit to pause court proceedings while federal officials review Florida’s settlement proposal. These talks could change how the state and federal government work together on immigration in the future.
Expansion of 287(g) Agreements
In February 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis ordered several Florida law enforcement agencies to sign new agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program. This program allows state officers to act as federal immigration agents. After training, these officers can question, arrest, and process people they suspect are in the country illegally. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and the Florida State Guard are now involved in these efforts.
New Legislative Initiatives
Senator Ashley Moody has introduced several bills to strengthen Florida’s role in immigration enforcement:
- RIPPLE Act: Expands 287(g) partnerships, letting more state officers help with federal immigration enforcement.
- Stop GAPS Act: Requires federal and state coordination when placing unaccompanied migrant children.
- Expedited Removal of Criminal Aliens Act: Speeds up deportations of noncitizens convicted of serious crimes and limits court involvement in these removals.
These bills aim to give Florida more control over immigration and to support President Trump’s national policies.
Alignment with President Trump’s Administration
Florida’s crackdown on illegal immigration matches President Trump’s push for stricter enforcement. State officials, including Attorney General Uthmeier and Governor DeSantis, have publicly backed Trump’s executive orders and policy changes that reverse measures from President Biden’s time in office.
Key Stakeholders and Their Views
- Attorney General James Uthmeier: Defends Florida’s right to enforce its own immigration laws and leads the Supreme Court appeal.
- Senator Ashley Moody: Pushes for more state enforcement and often criticizes Democrats and federal judges for blocking Florida’s efforts.
- Governor Ron DeSantis: Wants Florida to be a model for other states in tough immigration enforcement and supports Trump’s policies.
- Immigrants’ Rights Groups: Groups like the ACLU of Florida and Americans for Immigrant Justice have challenged SB 4-C in court, saying it violates constitutional rights and federal law.
Legislative Activity and Enforcement Actions
In 2025, states across the country passed at least 34 new immigration laws, more than double the number from the year before. Florida is one of the most active states in this area. With more 287(g) agreements, many state officers now have the power to enforce federal immigration laws.
Impacts on Immigrants and Law Enforcement
For immigrants, especially those without legal status, these changes have created fear and uncertainty. Even people who later get legal status or have no criminal record could face arrest if SB 4-C is enforced. Law enforcement agencies now have more power to question and detain people, but they also face confusion because of conflicting orders from state leaders and federal courts.
Ongoing Legal Challenges
Immigrants and advocacy groups can challenge state laws like SB 4-C in federal court. So far, the courts have sided with those who say these laws are unconstitutional. The final decision may come from the U.S. Supreme Court, which could set a new rule for how much power states have in immigration matters.
Expert Opinions and Multiple Perspectives
Legal experts say the Supreme Court might be more open to state-level immigration laws now, but the line between state and federal power is still not clear. Immigrant advocates argue that Florida’s laws are unfair and create fear in immigrant communities. State officials say strong enforcement is needed to keep people safe and support federal goals.
Background and Historical Context
Florida’s actions are part of a larger trend among Republican-led states to take more control over immigration, especially when they disagree with federal policies. Similar legal battles happened in Arizona and Alabama in the past, and many of those state laws were struck down by federal courts.
Future Outlook
- Supreme Court Review: The Supreme Court’s decision on Florida’s appeal could change immigration enforcement across the country.
- Possible Settlements: Ongoing talks between Florida and the federal government could lead to new agreements, especially as policies shift between presidents.
- More Legislation: Florida officials are likely to keep pushing for new laws to increase state authority and speed up deportations.
Practical Guidance and Resources
Anyone affected by these changes should stay informed and seek legal help if needed. For official updates and resources, visit the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Florida’s aggressive approach to illegal immigration, especially through Senate Bill 4-C, has sparked major legal battles and left many immigrants and families uncertain about their future. The situation remains fluid, with important decisions expected from the courts and lawmakers in the coming months.
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