Mayor Donna Deegan, Jacksonville’s first female mayor elected in 2023, has navigated complex policy issues, including a controversial bill on immigration enforcement. Faced with a City Council measure directing the Duval County Sheriff to cooperate with ICE, Deegan initially chose neither to sign nor veto it, allowing it to take effect. However, her Office of General Counsel later advised Sheriff T.K. Waters against enforcing state or local immigration laws, citing legal constraints. This decision sparked debate, with critics arguing it undermined the council’s intent, while supporters praised her for balancing community trust and legal clarity in a politically charged environment.

However, Deegan did veto a subsequent immigration-related bill (Ordinance 2025-0138) on June 24, 2025. This bill aimed to restrict city-funded nonprofits from providing services to undocumented immigrants and required reporting on grant usage. Deegan cited legal risks, vagueness, and the bill’s potential to harm public safety and the economy as reasons for the veto, calling it “political theater disguised as fiscal oversight.” The City Council attempted to override the veto but failed, with an 8-7 vote falling short of the required two-thirds majority.

The cooperation between the Duval County Sheriff’s Office (JSO) and ICE has been a flashpoint in Jacksonville’s local government. The council-passed bill aimed to formalize JSO’s role in supporting federal immigration enforcement, aligning with state policies. Despite the initial decision, the mayor’s legal guidance created ambiguity, leaving Sheriff Waters in a challenging position. Waters, committed to community-focused policing, has emphasized public safety over political disputes but faces pressure to clarify JSO’s stance. The issue highlights tensions between local autonomy, state mandates, and federal immigration policy in Jacksonville.

Jacksonville Mayor Deegan Navigates Tension Over Immigration

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