Statement on the Wrongful Arrest of a U.S. Citizen in Florida

April 18, 2025

On Wednesday, U.S.-born American citizen Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez was arrested by Florida Highway Patrol and held in Leon County Jail for over 24 hours. At a hearing on Thursday, a Leon County judge said she “did not have jurisdiction” to release him. In response, the Florida Democratic Party issued the following statement:  

“The state of Florida violated a federal court order to kidnap an American,” said FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “Earlier this week, Juan Carlos Lopez-Gomez was wrongfully detained by Florida Highway Patrol following a traffic stop and thrown into jail.

“It appears he was detained on the basis of one of Florida’s new immigration laws — but the courts blocked the state from enforcing that law and deemed it unconstitutional. So it begs the question, has Ron DeSantis instructed a state agency to ignore a federal court order? Where does the lawlessness of this administration stop? If this can happen to an American born citizen, it can happen to any of us. 

“If local law enforcement have been directed to defy court orders and ask questions later — none of us are safe. Ron DeSantis owes all Floridians an explanation on how a U.S. citizen was arrested and detained for 24 hours — he has to answer for that.”

Latest News

The Florida Democratic Party Florida Slams the FL Supreme Court for Letting DeSantis Erase Black Voter Power

July 17, 2025
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried released the following statement in response to the Florida Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Governor Ron DeSantis’ congressional… Read More

Florida Democratic Party Files Public Records Request for 'Alligator Alcatraz'

July 14, 2025
The Florida Democratic Party has filed a formal public records request with the Governor’s Office and the Florida Division of Emergency Management, seeking all documents related to the state… Read More

The Florida Democratic Party Applauds Lawmakers Suing DeSantis Over 'Alligator Alcatraz'

July 12, 2025
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried issued the following statement after Democratic lawmakers filed a lawsuit against Governor Ron DeSantis for illegally denying them unannounced access to… Read More

Chair Fried Denounces Passage of Trump's Big Bullsh*t Bill: 'Florida Families Will Pay the Price'

July 3, 2025
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried issued the following statement following House Republicans passing Donald Trump’s reckless budget bill—one of the most dangerous pieces of… Read More

Florida Democratic Lawmakers Denied Entry to 'Alligator Alcatraz'

July 3, 2025
Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried issued the following statement after state legislators were blocked from entering the make-shift camp known as “Alligator… Read More