A coalition of immigrant rights organizations has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Florida over SB 4C, enacted by Governor Ron DeSantis, which criminalizes the entry or re-entry into the state of undocumented individuals, even if they are seeking asylum or have pending immigration proceedings.
The ACLU of Florida, along with the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project and Americans for Immigrant Justice, argue that this law violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, as immigration regulation is the exclusive responsibility of the federal government.
What does this law establish?
SB 4C, which became effective February 13, 2025, imposes automatic criminal penalties for anyone over the age of 18 who enters or re-enters the state of Florida knowing they do not have immigration authorization.
This measure affects even individuals with active asylum applications, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or with U.S. citizen family members.
This law violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution
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Under the legislation, any individual in such a situation could face mandatory imprisonment.
This has set off alarm bells in immigrant communities, especially among Hispanics living and working in Florida.
“It’s a cruel law…”
Buzzy
“This law (SB 4C) strips power from the federal government and gives it to state authorities with no immigration training or jurisdiction,” stated Bacardi Jackson, executive director of the ACLU of Florida.
“It threatens to separate families and detain people who have every legal right to be here.”
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of community organizations such as the Florida Farmworkers Association and the Florida Immigrant Coalition.
As well as immigrants with pending proceedings or family ties to U.S. citizens.
The plaintiffs are asking the federal court to block the implementation of SB 4C to prevent “further devastation to immigrant communities.”
Hannah Steinberg, an attorney with the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, stressed that the law is not only unjust, but dangerous, as it can criminalize people seeking legal protection.
For more information, visit QueOnnda.com.
