Fact Check: Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier's Warning on Immigration Protests
What We Know
On June 12, 2025, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier held a press conference in Titusville, where he warned that demonstrators protesting against the Trump administration’s immigration raids could face a "forceful response" in Florida. Uthmeier emphasized that Florida is an "anti-riot" state and stated that any violent actions during protests would not be tolerated. He declared, "If you throw things, light things on fire, wreak havoc and destruction in Florida, you will do time" (Florida Today). This statement was made in the context of ongoing nationwide protests against immigration enforcement actions, which had seen violent incidents in other states, including California and Texas.
Uthmeier's comments were supported by Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, who warned that peaceful protests must remain non-violent, stating, "If you hit one of us, you're going to the hospital and jail" (CNN). The press conference was intended to reinforce Florida's stance on maintaining order during protests related to immigration enforcement.
Analysis
The statements made by Attorney General Uthmeier and Sheriff Ivey are consistent with Florida's legislative framework regarding protests. In 2021, Florida passed an "anti-riot" law that allows for criminal charges against individuals who engage in violent behavior during protests, even if the protests start peacefully (Florida Today). Uthmeier's warning aligns with this legal backdrop, as he reiterated that the state would take extra precautions to protect immigration enforcement officers.
The reliability of the sources reporting on Uthmeier's statements is generally high. Major news outlets like CNN and Florida Today have covered the press conference, providing direct quotes and context for the statements made. However, it is important to note that the tone and framing of the coverage can vary, with some outlets emphasizing the aggressive nature of the warnings more than others. For instance, CNN highlighted the sheriff's extreme warning about potential violence, which could be seen as sensationalist (CNN).
Conclusion
The claim that Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier warned that demonstrators protesting the Trump administration’s immigration raids could face a forceful response is True. Uthmeier's statements during the June 12 press conference clearly indicate that Florida law enforcement is prepared to respond aggressively to any violent protests, reinforcing the state's "anti-riot" stance. The context of these warnings, coupled with the legal framework in place, supports the accuracy of the claim.
Sources
- Florida sheriff threatens death over violent ICE raid protests
- State attorney general, Brevard sheriff warn: This is 'anti-riot' state
- Florida attorney general responds to Broward sheriff, reacts to LA protests
- 'We will kill you': Florida sheriff issues stern warning to protesters
- Sheriff issues grave warning to violent anti-ICE protesters
