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Topline
A U.S.-born individual arrested in Florida has been released following a controversial incident involving a state anti-immigration law that has been temporarily blocked. The man was detained under accusations of being an “unauthorized alien,” prompting fresh discussions regarding the implications of state-level immigration policies.
The 20-year-old was held overnight after being arrested, highlighting the complex interactions between state laws and federal immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
According to the Miami Herald, Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez was arrested by a Florida Highway Patrol officer on a charge relating to a new state law that classifies the illegal entry of undocumented immigrants as a misdemeanor.
This arrest took place despite a federal court having issued an injunction against the implementation of this law. Lopez-Gomez, who is a U.S. citizen, was misleadingly charged with entering the state illegally.
On Thursday, Lopez-Gomez participated in a virtual court hearing with Leon County Judge LaShawn Riggans. The judge confirmed the validity of Lopez-Gomez’s birth certificate and concluded that there was no basis for the misdemeanor charge against him, as reported by local outlet Florida Phoenix.
Despite the judge’s ruling, a representative from the state prosecutor’s office contested the jurisdiction of the court, arguing that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement had issued a formal request for a 48-hour hold on Lopez-Gomez.
Eventually, Lopez-Gomez was released later that same evening. A spokesperson from the Florida Immigrant Coalition announced the development on social media, expressing thanks to those who advocated for his release.
This story is still evolving.
Source
www.forbes.com