JACKSONVILLE, FL — In a deeply troubling move, City Council Vice President Kevin Carrico and 11 Republican members of the Jacksonville City Council passed a dangerous and divisive immigration bill that echoes the worst of the national MAGA playbook. The bill – widely criticized by civil rights advocates, legal experts, and immigrant communities – would empower local authorities to detain individuals based solely on immigration status.

This purely partisan stunt does nothing to improve public safety. Instead, it spreads fear, fosters racial profiling, and threatens to tear apart the very communities that make Jacksonville strong and vibrant.

Duval County Democratic Party Chair Daniel Henry issued the following statement:

“Let’s call this what it is: political theater at the expense of immigrant families. This bill does not make Jacksonville safer – it makes it more divided. Kevin Carrico and his Republican colleagues are using vulnerable families as scapegoats in an attempt to score cheap political points. That’s not leadership – that’s cowardice.

I fully support Mayor Deegan’s decision not to sign this bill. She was right to call out the fear this ordinance is creating and the risk it poses to our city—both legally and morally. Her words today made it clear: our immigrant neighbors belong, they matter, and they are loved.

As a first-generation Haitian American, I know that immigrant stories are the backbone of Jacksonville. My parents came to this country in search of opportunity and built a life rooted in faith, service, and hope. That story isn’t just mine—it’s shared by tens of thousands of families across our city, including Mayor Deegan’s own Lebanese ancestors.

Instead of addressing real issues – like affordable housing, infrastructure, or public education – Republicans on the City Council are choosing to stoke fear and spread misinformation.

Scripture reminds us to ‘love thy neighbor as thyself’ – not fear them, not target them, and certainly not legislate them into the shadows. This bill is a shameful attempt to divide our city and abandon our moral compass.”

Duval Democrats stand united with immigrant communities and proudly stand behind Mayor Deegan’s leadership. We urge every Jacksonville resident to speak out against this dangerous legislation. We will not allow fear and division to dictate the future of our city.