Federal judge blocks Florida law banning sanctuary cities

FLORIDA — A Miami federal judge is blocking Florida from banning sanctuary cities.

According to the Miami Herald, the ruling struck down a key portion of a law signed back in 2019 that prohibits local and state officials from adopting policies that protect undocumented migrants. The judge calling the motives unconstitutional and discriminatory.

Some portions of the law will remain in effect. Law enforcement agencies will still have to comply with immigration requests filed by the Department of Homeland Security. Local law enforcement can no longer transport detainees, instead they will hold them past their release date until picked up and placed in federal custody.

The office of Governor Ron DeSantis says they will appeal the ruling and expect to win.