Overview

• James Uthmeier was found in civil contempt on June 17 after sending a second memo on April 23 telling law enforcement they could enforce the new immigration statute despite an earlier restraining order.
• Williams chastised Uthmeier for offering “implausible interpretations” of her order and quoted Lewis Carroll’s Humpty Dumpty to underscore that court commands carry fixed meaning.
• As part of the contempt ruling, Uthmeier must file bi-weekly reports beginning July 1 detailing any arrests, detentions or related actions under the contested law.
• The February law signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis makes it a misdemeanor for undocumented immigrants to enter or re-enter Florida, directly challenging the exclusive federal role in immigration enforcement.
• Judge Williams warned that failure to comply with her reporting mandate could trigger additional sanctions, including fines or imprisonment, as the case moves through appeals.