Florida Bar Dismisses Leftist Request to Probe DHS General Counsel Over Judge Criticism

A coalition of left-leaning organizations and 128 former state and federal judges asked the Florida Bar to investigate Department of Homeland Security General Counsel James Percival after he posted on X about judges exceeding their authority in immigration cases. The bar responded on August 18, stating that it does not have jurisdiction over sitting officers appointed under the Constitution and that such a probe would infringe on federal authority.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier intervened, labeling the complaint unfounded and emphasizing that criticism of judges does not breach bar rules. Consequently, the bar closed the matter, noting the groups could refile once Percival leaves his current role. Percival celebrated the dismissal with a meme portraying himself as Gandalf defeating the former judges. The episode reflects ongoing tensions between progressive legal activists and conservative attorneys.