Farmworker and civil rights groups in Florida are suing the state over a restrictive immigration law that criminalizes the transportation of undocumented persons. U.S. District Judge Roy Altman temporarily blocked enforcement of the law, praising the actions of the federal judge. The lawsuit was filed by the Farmworker Association of Florida and other immigrant and civil rights groups last summer in response to the law, which was signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis a year ago. The law, also known as SB1718, went into effect on July 1, 2023, and makes it a felony to transport an undocumented immigrant into Florida, imposing restrictions and penalties to deter the employment of undocumented workers.
Amien Kacou, a staff attorney with the ACLU of Florida, stated that the judge’s decision was a much-needed win for Floridians. The state has imposed several anti-immigrant laws and policies, harming citizens and noncitizens alike. The law has forced many undocumented workers in agriculture, construction, and tourism to move out of Florida, leaving others uncertain about whether they should stay. The fear instilled in immigrant communities regarding the law’s limitations during events like Hurricane Idalia has added to the uncertainty and tension surrounding the lawsuit and the law.
The ACLU and other groups argue that the law is vague and places many residents, both citizens and noncitizens, at risk of being arrested, charged, and prosecuted with a felony for simple acts like driving a family member to a doctor’s appointment. Previous enforcement of the law has resulted in arrests and human smuggling charges. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, a defendant in the lawsuit, has argued that the plaintiffs lack legal standing to bring the case forward. However, Judge Altman determined that the law likely extends beyond the state’s authority to make arrests for violations of federal immigration law, making it likely invalid.
Governor DeSantis had made immigration a central theme of his campaign leading up to the signing of the law, as he had been preparing for a failed presidential run. The law is intended to deter the employment of undocumented workers in the state, but it has also caused significant harm and fear among immigrant communities in Florida. The legal battle surrounding the law continues, with the temporary block of enforcement providing some relief to farmworker and civil rights groups who have been fighting against its restrictive measures.
Overall, the federal judge’s decision to temporarily block enforcement of the restrictive immigration law in Florida is being praised by farmworker and civil rights groups. The law, known as SB1718, was signed by Governor DeSantis a year ago and went into effect on July 1, 2023, making it a felony to transport an undocumented immigrant into the state. The law has caused fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities in Florida and has led to arrests and human smuggling charges. The legal battle over the law continues, with the federal judge determining that it likely extends beyond the state’s authority and may be invalid.
