The law, enacted this year, made it a crime for unauthorized migrants to enter the state. Challengers say immigration is a federal matter.

Florida's Attorney General James Uthmeier, a Republican, and other state officials filed the emergency request on June 17 asking the Supreme Court to halt the judge's order. Williams found that the Florida law was likely unconstitutional for encroaching on the federal government's exclusive authority over U.S. immigration policy.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to allow Florida to enforce an immigration law making it a crime for people who are living in the U.S. illegally to enter the state. The high court’s action will keep the law on hold while a legal challenge continues. The court did not explain its decision and no justice noted a dissent.