The U.S. Supreme Court has declined Florida’s request to begin enforcing a newly passed immigration law, keeping it on hold while legal challenges continue. The law, part of Senate Bill 4-C, would make it a state crime for someone to enter Florida after being deported. The high court’s brief decision, issued Tuesday, allows a lower court’s injunction to remain in effect as the legal battle unfolds in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.
A federal judge in April blocked enforcement of the law, saying it likely oversteps state authority by intruding on the federal government’s role in immigration enforcement. Florida officials argued the law mirrors existing federal statutes and is necessary for maintaining public safety. Opponents—including civil rights groups—say the law is unconstitutional and could lead to racial profiling and inconsistent enforcement. The Supreme Court’s move doesn’t settle the issue but signals that the justices are willing to let the lower court’s pause remain while broader constitutional questions are reviewed.
