Judge Holds Florida AG in Contempt Over Immigration Law

U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams found Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in civil contempt for violating a court order to halt enforcement of Florida's immigration law targeting undocumented immigrants. Uthmeier initially told police to comply with the injunction but later sent a letter implying enforcement could continue, which the judge said undermined her order. As a result, Williams ordered Uthmeier to file bi-weekly reports on law enforcement actions under the blocked law and to promptly notify the court of any related arrests. The judge stressed that Uthmeier's actions threatened the integrity of the legal system and reaffirmed the importance of upholding court orders. Uthmeier dismissed the contempt finding, stating his willingness to face consequences for supporting strict immigration enforcement. An appeals court also rejected Uthmeier’s bid to pause the injunction and criticized his defiance of federal authority.