On July 13, 2021, Cuban exiles blocked the Palmetto Expressway in Miami to express solidarity with protests in Cuba over economic hardship and lack of freedom. Despite Florida's anti-riot law threatening penalties for road obstruction, police did not make arrests during the blockade. Governor Ron DeSantis stirred controversy by suggesting that drivers would not be liable for hitting protesters obstructing the road. The anti-riot law has raised concerns about its vagueness among lawmakers, especially regarding citizen rights to protest and self-defense.
"You have a right to flee for your safety, and so if you drive off and you hit one of these people, that's their fault for impinging on you." - Gov. Ron DeSantis.
"I'm worried about its ambiguity. Can an individual who is just standing there and something breaks out be arrested? Is an individual able to run over a protester?" - Sen. Shevrin Jones.
"The key components of the bill were muted by the courts after being challenged by the ACLU of Florida, the Community Justice Project and other First Amendment rights groups."
"Despite Florida's anti-riot law, no arrests were made during the Cuban exiles' blockade in support of protests in Cuba, marking a significant moment for the community."
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