Mayor Sparks Controversy, Withholds Signature on New Law

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Jacksonville’s new immigration law becomes reality as Mayor Deegan refuses to sign or veto the controversial bill that makes the city the first in America to impose jail time on illegal immigrants.

Quick Takes

Jacksonville’s Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act passed without Mayor Donna Deegan’s signature or veto, becoming law through her inaction
The legislation establishes mandatory jail sentences for illegal immigrants and requires the Sheriff’s Office to notify federal authorities about arrests
Mayor Deegan criticized the bill as unnecessary and potentially harmful but declined to veto it despite having sufficient votes to do so
The law classifies unauthorized entry as a Class B offense and has received support from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Critics accuse Deegan of political maneuvering while supporters call the law a win for Jacksonville’s safety

Mayor’s Non-Decision Makes History in Jacksonville

Jacksonville has become the first city in the United States to impose jail time on immigrants without legal authorization after Mayor Donna Deegan allowed a controversial immigration bill to become law without her signature. Passed with a 12-5 vote by the City Council, the legislation classifies unauthorized entry by immigrants as a Class B offense with mandatory jail sentences. While choosing neither to sign nor veto the bill, Deegan made her position clear during a press conference where she questioned the necessity and potential consequences of the new law.

“I want to be crystal clear. I do not believe this bill is necessary and I will not sign it,” stated Mayor Deegan in her announcement. The mayor emphasized that the legislation “does nothing that federal and state law does not already do,” while expressing concerns about potential legal challenges and the impact on Jacksonville’s immigrant communities. Despite these reservations, Deegan opted not to use her veto power, allowing the bill to take effect without her explicit support or opposition.

Law Enforcement Implications and Political Support

Under the new law, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office will be required to inform federal authorities about arrests made. The legislation also equips law enforcement with additional resources, including mobile fingerprint scanning technology, to identify individuals who may be in the country illegally. The bill has received strong support from Florida’s Republican leadership, including Governor Ron DeSantis and state Attorney General James Uthmeier, who has been particularly critical of Deegan’s approach to the legislation.

Council member Kevin Carrico, who sponsored the bill, celebrated its passage as a “win for the safety of Jacksonville families” despite his disappointment with the mayor’s refusal to sign it. The legislation aims to clarify Jacksonville’s stance against being a “sanctuary city” for illegal immigrants, aligning with similar efforts at the state level under Governor DeSantis’ administration. The sheriff’s office already maintains a partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a fact Deegan highlighted in her explanation.

Critics Question Mayor’s Motivations

Deegan’s decision has drawn criticism from both supporters and opponents of the bill. Those in favor of stricter immigration enforcement have accused the mayor of fence-sitting and political calculation, suggesting she wanted to avoid attaching her name to the controversial measure while still allowing it to become law. City council members urged her to take a definitive stance rather than allowing the bill to pass through inaction, which some view as an attempt to appease both sides of the political spectrum.

The legislation may face legal challenges similar to those confronting immigration laws in Texas, Iowa, and Oklahoma. Deegan emphasized that Jacksonville will continue to follow the law as long as it is constitutional, suggesting a potential openness to legal review of the measure. The mayor’s decision reflects the complex political calculations surrounding immigration policy at the local level, particularly in a politically diverse city like Jacksonville.