Judge extends block on enforcement of law that would criminalize people simply for entering Florida ruling the law is likely unconstitutional
MIAMI, FL (April 30, 2025) — Late last night, a federal judge extended an order blocking Florida from enforcing Senate Bill 4-C (SB 4-C) — a dangerous and discriminatory law that makes it a felony for certain undocumented people to enter the state based solely on their immigration history. The judge ruled that the law likely violates the U.S. Constitution and granted a preliminary injunction — meaning the law is blocked for now, while the case continues in court. This challenge was brought by the Florida Immigrant Coalition and the Farmworker Association of Florida, as well as individual clients.
“This is a win for human rights, for immigrant families, for fairness, for the rule of law, and for everyone who believes in the Constitution,” said Bacardi Jackson, Executive Director of the ACLU of Florida. “Florida politicians tried to turn fear into policy and made it a crime simply to exist as an immigrant in this state. The court rightly reminded them: immigration enforcement is a job for the federal government, not a political weapon for states to use.”
Under SB 4-C, people who entered the country without inspection could be arrested and jailed simply for crossing into Florida — even if they have since gained lawful status, and even if they had not committed any crime. The law also required those arrested to stay in jail before trial, no matter the circumstances. Immigrants’ rights groups argued this law wasn’t just cruel — it violated federal law and basic constitutional rights.
“The court made it clear — this law goes too far,” said Oscar Sarabia Roman, Staff Attorney at the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project. “Florida tried to sidestep federal immigration laws and punish people for traveling into the state. But immigration rules are set by Congress, not state politicians.”
“This ruling affirms fairness, justice, and the rule of law — values that have defined us as a nation,” said Sui Chung, Executive Director at Americans for Immigrant Justice. “SB 4-C unfairly targeted immigrants and disrupted the lives of hardworking residents of Florida. It created an intense climate of fear and uncertainty, and threatened the stability of our children, families, and economy. Yesterday’s decision moves us closer to ensuring that all members of our community, regardless of their background, can live with dignity and without discrimination. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting constitutional rights and upholding the rule of law for everyone in our state.”
The judge also expanded the case to explicitly include more than just the individual and organizational plaintiffs. It now explicitly protects all people who could have been arrested under this law.
And in a rare rebuke, the judge called out Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, requiring his attorneys to appear in court in May to explain why she should not hold him in contempt for violating the court’s earlier temporary restraining order, stemming from his April 23, 2025 letter claiming that “no lawful, legitimate order currently impedes your agencies from continuing to enforce Florida’s new illegal entry and reentry laws.”
“This case is about more than one law — it’s about whether our leaders will follow the Constitution,” said Amy Godshall, Immigrants’ Rights Attorney at the ACLU of Florida. “We’re proud to stand with our clients and all Floridians, who all deserve to live without fear.”
“This injunction means our clients — and thousands of others — won’t be arrested and jailed just for trying to live their lives,” said Paul R. Chavez, Litigation Director at Americans for Immigrant Justice. “This law put families at risk and sowed fear in immigrant communities. Today, we take a step towards ensuring our family members and neighbors receive the constitutional protections to which we are all entitled.”
Florida has already appealed the ruling, and the legal fight is far from over. But for now, the law cannot be enforced — and immigrant families across Florida can breathe a little easier today.
Plaintiffs in this matter include the Florida Immigrant Coalition (FLIC), the Farmworker Association of Florida (FWAF), and individual plaintiffs — including longtime Florida residents with a pending visa application and with U.S. citizen family members who rely on their care. They are represented by the ACLU of Florida, ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project, Americans for Immigrant Justice, and the Community Justice Project.
Read the court’s order here.
