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A recent ruling by a federal judge has temporarily blocked the enforcement of a Florida law that criminalizes the transportation of undocumented immigrants into the state. This decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by farmworker, immigrant, and civil rights groups who have lauded the ruling as a significant victory.
The lawsuit, initiated by the Farmworker Association of Florida along with other immigrant and civil rights organizations, challenged the law known as SB 1718. U.S. District Judge Roy Altman, appointed by former President Donald Trump, halted the enforcement of this provision pending the outcome of the case. The contested law, which took effect on July 1, 2023, under the governance of Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, aims to penalize the employment and transportation of undocumented workers.
Amien Kacou, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida and part of the legal team representing the plaintiffs, commented on the ruling: “This is a much-needed win for Floridians. For too long, our state has imposed a barrage of anti-immigrant laws and policies that harm citizens and noncitizens alike.”
Governor DeSantis, who signed SB 1718 into law, had centered his then-presidential campaign on immigration reform. The law makes it a felony to “knowingly and willfully” transport an undocumented immigrant into Florida. According to the ACLU, this provision has placed thousands of Floridians and residents from other states at risk of criminal charges for everyday activities, such as driving a family member to a doctor’s appointment or going on a family vacation.
The enforcement of SB 1718 has significantly impacted Florida’s workforce, particularly in the agriculture, construction, and tourism sectors, leading many undocumented workers to leave the state and causing widespread uncertainty among those remaining.
The legal battle continues as the federal court assesses the constitutionality and implications of SB 1718. This temporary block provides a reprieve for many affected individuals and sets the stage for ongoing debates over immigration policy and civil rights in Florida.
