Duval Times

Mayor Donna Deegan recently addressed Ordinance 2025-147 and its implications for immigrant communities during a public speech, emphasizing concerns about the language in the legislation that could cause fear among legally residing immigrants. "JSO will be getting its funding for the mobile fingerprint machines they need," she stated, but noted that beyond this funding, the ordinance "does nothing that federal and state law doesn’t already do."

Mayor Deegan highlighted elements of the ordinance that could lead to expensive legal challenges for the city and regarded the language as both "hurtful" and "stoking fear in immigrants." She was joined by various community leaders representing religious, health, and legal sectors, who supported her position in their personal capacity.

Acknowledging the role of immigrants in Jacksonville, Mayor Deegan stressed their contributions, including paying $1.4 billion in taxes annually, and pointed out that immigrants "commit fewer crimes per capita than native-born Americans."

While she confirmed funding for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office for fingerprint scanners, Deegan was critical of the ordinance, describing it as "hurtful and performative but not substantive" and asserted, "There is nothing in this bill that isn’t already required by federal or state law."

Highlighting the potential financial repercussions, she warned of the risk of using tax dollars on lawsuits over a redundant law, suggesting the funds could instead be directed toward improving local infrastructure and small businesses. Expressing concern over the ordinance's impact on lawful immigrants, she emphasized the detrimental effects on public safety if people felt targeted.

Mayor Deegan stated, "I do not believe this bill is necessary," and announced she would not sign it, allowing it to become law without her endorsement to dissociate her name from it. She expressed a commitment to supporting immigrant communities and stressed Jacksonville's history of legal compliance.

She concluded by affirming, "We must be a city that welcomes," highlighting that immigrants are integral to Jacksonville's strength and growth. She pledged continued efforts to educate on legal immigration, protect rights, and celebrate cultural diversity.

###