Florida attorney general, now held in contempt, should stop politicizing the job | Opinion
“Fidelity to the rule of law can have no other meaning.” That’s what U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams wrote Tuesday when she found Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier in contempt of court for continuing to enforce an immigration law she blocked.
Uthmeier was appointed to the job in February by Gov. Ron DeSantis. He swore an oath to uphold the law. But Uthmeier has chosen to put politics above the law.
In April, Uthmeier issued a memo directing police agencies to ignore Williams’ injunction blocking enforcement of Florida’s new immigration law making it a crime for undocumented immigrants to enter the state. “It is my view that no lawful, legitimate order currently impedes your agencies from continuing to enforce Florida’s new illegal entry and reentry laws,” he wrote.
The law, passed by the Republican Legislature, was signed by DeSantis earlier this year.
A Tampa Bay Times analysis found that 25 people were arrested under the law — after the judge blocked enforcement. At least nine ended up in detention.
“Litigants cannot change the plain meaning of words as it suits them, especially when conveying a court’s clear and unambiguous order,” Williams said in her contempt order.
Williams could have fined Uthmeier or imposed a jail sentence, the Miami Herald reported. Instead, she ordered Uthmeier to “file bi-weekly reports detailing whether any arrests, detentions, or law enforcement actions” have been made under the law. The first report is due July 1.
It’s unclear if Uthmeier will follow the judge’s orders. But one thing is clear: Uthmeier has politicized the role of attorney general like no other in recent history.
He shows no sign of stopping. Shortly after Williams’ order, Uthmeier commented on X: “If being held in contempt is what it costs to defend the rule of law and stand firmly behind President Trump’s agenda on illegal immigration, so be it.”
That leads to a question for voters: How will the state attorney general defend the rule of law while ignoring the ruling of a federal judge?
This is the same man who, hours before being found in contempt, retweeted a video of U.S. Rep Ilhan Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, criticizing President Donald Trump’s military parade last Saturday and encouraging people to protest. He offered this comment: “Denaturalize and Deport.” Omar is a favorite target for many Republicans but is the Florida attorney general saying he favors deporting a naturalized U.S. citizen and a sitting member of Congress based on her dissenting words?
Uthemier seems more interested in scoring ideological points than serving Floridians and upholding the law. While carrying out DeSantis’ agenda, he also appears to be auditioning for Trump’s endorsement. Uthmeier is up for election in 2026.
Floridians should take note. Uthmeier was appointed to the role of attorney general, and he is now campaigning to serve a full term. His current, shoot-from-the-hip conduct is an indication of what they can expect if he wins.
Floridians need an attorney general who will uphold the law. There’s an appropriate place to fight against unfair rulings — and that’s in the courts, not on social media. Uthmeier should start by complying with Williams’ order and filing the bi-weekly reports. He should also ensure the focus of his office is serving all Floridians, not just those in the governor’s mansion and the White House.
Williams is right. Fidelity to the rule of law isn’t optional for the “people’s lawyer.” If Uthmeier is unable or doesn’t want to meet that standard, voters should consider whether he’s suited to serve a full term.
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