DeSantis’ Immigration Law Continues as Federal Judge Rejects Activist’s Motion to Halt
Civil rights groups have asked a federal judge to halt the enforcement of a section of Florida’s new immigration law that criminalizes transporting individuals who have entered the United States unlawfully. The groups argue that this law, known as Section 10, prevents people from accessing medical appointments, family meetings, and work. However, the judge immediately denied the request on a technicality, stating that the defendants, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and prosecutors, had not been properly notified about the motion. The civil rights groups may file the request again.
In addition to criminalizing transportation for undocumented individuals, the new immigration law championed by DeSantis strengthens his migrant relocation program, limits social services for immigrants without permanent legal status, expands E-Verify requirements for businesses, and mandates hospitals accepting Medicaid to include a citizenship question on intake forms. DeSantis, a GOP presidential nominee contender for 2024, has sent National Guard soldiers to Texas for border security and used state funds to charter flights for migrants from Texas to other parts of the country.
The lawsuit against Florida’s immigration law alleges that it is unconstitutional, as federal law should preempt state law on immigration matters. It also argues that the law violates due process rights and is written vaguely. Civil rights groups claim that this law purposefully inflicts cruelty on individuals by threatening them with jail time for ordinary activities such as visiting family or driving to work.
