Mayor Donna Deegan of Jacksonville made a passionate statement reaffirming her commitment to the city’s immigrant community as she announced that she would not veto a controversial immigration bill passed by the City Council.
The bill, which Gov. Ron DeSantis praised, makes it a local crime for undocumented immigrants to live in or enter Jacksonville. Despite its controversial nature, the mayor expressed her opposition, stating that vetoing the measure would be a distraction and a step backward for the city’s progress. She emphasized her dedication to the immigrant community and vowed to lead the city with love and inclusivity.
“So why not veto it?” posed Deegan. “Because it’s a distraction that would delight those who want to fight our city’s forward progress to further their own ambitions.”
Following Mayor Deegan’s announcement, Councilman Kevin Carrico, who introduced the bill, expressed his frustration with the mayor’s decision. He defended it, saying that the measure was not intended to harm people but to ensure the safety of Jacksonville’s families.
Carrico also highlighted the support the bill had from Sheriff T.K. Waters, the Fraternal Order of Police and other community figures. Despite the mayor’s decision, he framed its passing as a victory in the fight for local illegal immigration enforcement and the safety of the community.
