JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Community members packed Jacksonville City Hall Tuesday night to voice opposition to a proposed immigration policy that would require the disclosure of undocumented immigrants living in city-controlled public housing.
The controversial legislation, which would prohibit city funds for services to people living in the country illegally, passed with an 11-7 vote.
It drew extensive public comment, with most speakers opposing the measure.
RELATED: Jacksonville bill would prohibit use of city funds for services to undocumented immigrants
“This bill helps no one, and it would do harm to the Jacksonville community,” Tim Burbins said.
Several amendments were added to the bill during the lengthy session, including exemptions for victims of domestic violence and pregnant women. The council had to take a 20-minute recess to process the final amendments.
Councilman Rory Diamond defended the legislation, arguing it’s necessary to get a report on how taxpayer money is being spent.
“We have to make a choice, are we a nation of laws, or are we a nation of anarchy? Are we Jacksonville, or are we Los Angeles? Are we Florida? Are we California? Are we going to be a place that says that we are going to follow the rule of law? Are we going to be a sanctuary city?,” Diamond asked.
However, Councilman Rahman Johnson strongly opposed the measure.
“This bill was flawed at inception, and there is no way this makes any sense. And so we are sitting here debating, as Councilman Dr. Salem said, we’re sitting here debating something that is based on flawed premise,” he said. “So everything we talk about is fruit of the poison tree.”
Resident Janine Martinez spoke against the bill, identifying herself as a mother, resident, and citizen.
“I am just appalled by the kind of things that I hear us discussing. This bill helps no one, helps absolutely no one,” she said. “Discussing it to this magnitude so many times, is a complete waste of time.”
Protesters gathered outside City Hall before and after the meeting, calling for the council to focus instead on affordable housing and infrastructure improvements.
Demonstrators also demanded the dropping of charges against pro-Palestine and immigrant rights activists and an end to what they described as the city’s use of repression to silence public dissent.
Multiple council members expressed that no amount of amendments could address the fundamental issues with the bill’s intent.
News4JAX contacted Phil Perry with Mayor Donna Deegan’s office Tuesday night about how she plans to respond to the legislation and if she could veto it. He said, “Mayor Deegan has concerns about the bill. She will be reviewing it and weighing all her options.”
