Fact Check: "Uthmeier boasted about defying a federal court order in media interviews."
What We Know
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier was recently found in civil contempt by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams for his actions regarding a state immigration law. The judge issued a temporary restraining order that prohibited law enforcement from enforcing the law, which Uthmeier publicly disagreed with. Following the judge's order, Uthmeier sent a memo to law enforcement indicating that he believed the judge was legally incorrect and that he could not prevent police from enforcing the law. In a social media post, he stated, “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” (AP News, Tallahassee.com).
During a media interview, Uthmeier claimed that Judge Williams did not have jurisdiction to prevent law enforcement officers from making arrests under the law (New York Times). This statement reflects a clear defiance of the court's order, as he was instructed to notify law enforcement that they could not enforce the law due to the injunction (Miami Herald).
Analysis
The evidence indicates that Uthmeier did indeed boast about his defiance of the federal court order. His public statements, including the social media post and comments made during interviews, suggest a deliberate choice to challenge the court's authority. Judge Williams emphasized that Uthmeier's role as Attorney General carries a unique responsibility to uphold the law, and his actions undermined that integrity (Tallahassee.com, AP News).
Uthmeier's defense, which claimed that he was entitled to express his disagreement with the court's order, does not absolve him of the contempt ruling. The judge pointed out that while he is free to criticize the court's decisions, he must still adhere to the court's orders (Miami Herald). The contempt ruling was based on Uthmeier's failure to comply with the directive to inform law enforcement of the injunction, which he did not do adequately in his communications (AP News, Tallahassee.com).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, including major news outlets like the Associated Press and the New York Times, which have a reputation for factual reporting. The legal context provided by the judge's statements adds further weight to the claim that Uthmeier not only defied the court order but also publicly boasted about it.
Conclusion
The claim that "Uthmeier boasted about defying a federal court order in media interviews" is True. Uthmeier's public statements and actions demonstrate a clear defiance of the court's authority, as he openly criticized the judge's ruling and indicated a willingness to disregard the injunction. This behavior was formally recognized by the court, which found him in contempt for his actions.
Sources
- Florida Attorney General Defied Order Blocking Part of Immigration Law
- Judge finds Florida attorney general in contempt over immigration law
- Contempt ruling hits AG Uthmeier over defiance of court
- Judge finds Florida attorney general in contempt for defying court order
- DeSantis stands by AG James Uthmeier's defiance of federal court order
- Federal judge finds FL attorney general in contempt of court
- DeSantis stands by AG James Uthmeier's defiance of federal court order
- Judge says she’s shocked Florida attorney general defied court order
