JACKSONVILLE, FL — Mayor Donna Deegan has vetoed Ordinance 2025-138, a measure that would have cut city funding to nonprofits serving undocumented immigrants. This move, passed 11-7 by the City Council, is legislation that civic leaders say protects vulnerable families and prevents community division.

The ordinance, sponsored by Council Member Rory Diamond, would have required nonprofits to verify that they do not assist undocumented residents to keep city contracts. Faith and community groups argued it would force trusted organizations to choose between turning people away and losing critical funding for food, housing, and healthcare.

“This veto stops a harmful measure that threatened to punish children and families,” said Daniel Henry, Chair of the Duval County Democratic Party. “Jacksonville is stronger when we help all our neighbors, not divide them. Mayor Deegan showed up for a United Jacksonville today.”

Public opposition to the ordinance grew after the University of North Florida’s Jax Speaks poll found immigration ranked lowest among voter priorities, far behind affordable housing, safety, and economic opportunity.

“This was never about fiscal responsibility — it was political theater at the expense of our city’s most vulnerable,” said Hanna Moore, Vice Chair of the Duval Dems. “The Mayor’s veto ensures nonprofits can keep doing what they do best: serving everyone in need.”

The City Council would need a two-thirds vote to override the veto. Community advocates like the plan to urge council members to sustain it. The council meets tonight in Chambers at 5pm.