A.G. Gancarski
Mayor Donna Deegan believes the “Jacksonville Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act” is “redundant,” imposing a local prohibition on activity already illegal at the federal and state level.
But the City Council passed what they are calling the strongest such legislation in the country anyway on Tuesday by a 12–5 vote, forcing the Mayor to either sign the legislation, veto it, or do nothing, in what appears to be a potential early flashpoint in her re-election bid in two years.
Should it become law, the bill would make it a “local crime” to be an undocumented immigrant in Duval County. It also contemplates money for 25 fingerprint readers for the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to identify and process undocumented immigrants.
Republican Michael Boylan attempted substitute legislation ahead of discussion, imputing “nefarious reasons” and “fearmongering” as being behind the bill. He said state laws sufficed, that the money for the fingerprint readers should come out of Council Contingency, and that the legislation should be a resolution.
Sponsor Kevin Carrico, who is the Vice President of the Council, said that was an unfriendly substitution and urged voting it down, a position echoed by Rory Diamond, who said Boylan’s proposal would “gut” the bill and pave the way for Jacksonville to become a “sanctuary city.”
Matt Carlucci countered in favor of the substitute, saying that he saw “immigrants doing work where regular Americans don’t do work.” He also said Carrico’s bill was “meanspirited” and suggested such legislation complicates his path to being President of the Council next year.
Rahman Johnson introduced a second substitute, which also failed. Boylan then filed a second amendment, to no avail.
Diamond called the question quickly after the failed amendments, and a vote came without further debate.
Sheriff TK Waters and the Fraternal Order of Police back the bill.
Carrico hopes Deegan will put “politics aside and sign this bill into law,” saying the legislation “gives our Sheriff and his officers more tools in the toolbox to keep our community safe from violent criminals who are in our country illegally.”
“Jacksonville is setting the standard for cities across America. We are taking decisive action to ensure our community is safe and we are fully supporting federal and state authorities in enforcing immigration laws. This policy demonstrates our commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the interests of our citizens,” Carrico added.
Whether the Mayor signs or not remains to be seen, per her office, which said “she’s waiting to see what it looks like” on Tuesday afternoon.
Spokesperson Phil Perry said after the bill passed that she “wants to see the final bill that passed to make her decision.”
“Now that the bill has passed a final decision will be made,” Perry added.
The Republican Party of Florida urges her to sign, saying “Floridians are watching.” Time will tell if she follows through on that. No decision will be announced Tuesday night.
