Saying the lack of a federal response gave Arizona officials little choice, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi on Tuesday defended the border state’s right to enact its tough immigration law, but remained mum on whether she supports the controversial effort.
“I’m not saying it’s right or wrong for Florida, it’s about state rights.” Bondi told reporters following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting.
Florida has joined 15 other states in support of the state law that critics say could allow racial profiling.
Bondi’s support drew fire in Florida Tuesday, — the day before oral arguments are scheduled in the U.S. Supreme Court.
“By adding her name to the Supreme Court brief, Attorney General Bondi has symbolically given the blessing of all Floridians to laws that threaten people’s rights and make law enforcement more difficult,” wrote Howard Simon, executive director of ACLU Florida. “Focusing on race or national origin in policing sends a chilling message to certain groups – in this case Latino and Hispanic families – that they are under increased suspicion.”
