Mayor Refuses to Sign Controversial Immigration Law, Sparks Backlash

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Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan has allowed the city’s controversial Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act to become law without her signature, setting the stage for the first US city to impose jail time on immigrants without legal authorization.

Top Takeaways

Jacksonville becomes the first US city to impose jail time on unauthorized immigrants after Mayor Deegan neither signed nor vetoed the legislation.
The bill classifies unauthorized entry as a Class B offense with mandatory jail sentences and requires the Sheriff’s Office to inform federal authorities about arrests.
Mayor Deegan criticized the bill as unnecessary, potentially costly in legal challenges, and creating fear among lawful immigrants.
The legislation passed the City Council with a 12-5 vote and received support from Governor Ron DeSantis and state Attorney General James Uthmeier.
Critics argue Deegan’s neutral stance is politically motivated, while supporters call the law a win for Jacksonville families.

Mayor Takes No Action on Immigration Bill

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan announced Tuesday she would neither sign nor veto the local immigration enforcement bill passed by the City Council, allowing it to become law without her explicit endorsement. The legislation, which passed with a 12-5 vote, makes Jacksonville the first US city to impose mandatory jail time on immigrants without legal authorization. The bill classifies unauthorized entry as a Class B offense and requires jail sentences for those convicted under the new law.

During her announcement, Deegan made her opposition to the bill clear while explaining her decision not to veto it. “I want to be crystal clear. I do not believe this bill is necessary and I will not sign it,” Deegan stated. She criticized the legislation for adding nothing to existing federal and state laws while potentially exposing the city to expensive lawsuits similar to those faced by Texas, Iowa, and Oklahoma after passing comparable measures.

Political Reactions and Criticisms

The bill’s sponsor, Council member Kevin Carrico, expressed disappointment in Deegan’s decision, characterizing it as a political maneuver while still celebrating the outcome as a “win for the safety of Jacksonville families.” Governor Ron DeSantis and state Attorney General James Uthmeier have both voiced support for the legislation, with Uthmeier taking a direct shot at Deegan’s non-action by stating, “It takes a lot of courage to hold a press conference and announce that you’re doing nothing.”

Critics from both sides have targeted Deegan’s neutral stance. Conservative voices argue she’s trying to avoid associating her name with the bill while appeasing her more progressive base. Meanwhile, supporters of the bill contend that her refusal to take a definitive stand demonstrates a lack of leadership on a critical issue for the city. The City Council members who backed the bill urged the mayor to sign it and accused her of playing politics rather than addressing immigration concerns.

Bill Details and Enforcement Mechanisms

The new law requires the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to notify federal authorities about arrests made under this legislation. As part of the implementation, Deegan agreed to fund additional mobile fingerprint scanners for the Sheriff’s Office to assist with enforcement. The legislation specifically aims to clarify that Jacksonville is not a “sanctuary city” and will cooperate with federal immigration authorities, a stance that aligns with Florida’s broader approach to immigration enforcement under Governor DeSantis.

In her statement, Deegan emphasized that Jacksonville already has an existing partnership between the Sheriff’s Office and ICE. She also noted that crime data indicates immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born residents, suggesting the bill addresses a problem that may not exist to the extent its supporters claim. Despite these reservations, Deegan acknowledged that Jacksonville will continue to follow the law as long as it is constitutional, while expressing concerns about the message it sends to the immigrant community.