Councilman applies pressure as deadline approaches for Mayor Deegan to decide on controversial immigration bill

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A controversial immigration bill passed by Jacksonville’s City Council is now on the mayor’s desk — and pressure is building. The measure would block city funds from being used to support undocumented immigrants.

A split Jacksonville City Council passed the ordinance that would block city funds from going to services for undocumented immigrants.

RELATED | Mayor Deegan’s office says she has concerns about the immigration bill. She will review it and weigh all options

The measure passed in an 11–7 vote, after hours of debate and five last-minute amendments.

Councilman Rory Diamond, who has been outspoken in support of the bill, has been posting a countdown daily on social media.

“It’s a really simple bill,” Diamond said. “It says we need to first know how much money we’re spending on illegal aliens in Jacksonville. And two, it prohibits using taxpayer funding for programs for people who are in the city illegally. The bill requires a report by June 2025 detailing how federal money is used — and whether the city’s in compliance with anti-discrimination laws."

It also includes exceptions for children, pregnant women, domestic violence survivors, and military families.

“If the mayor signs the bill, it’ll be a clear message that Jacksonville will never be a sanctuary city, and it will protect taxpayer dollars, and it will protect people who are here legally, who need services,” he said. “If the mayor doesn’t sign it, then she’s putting a big welcome to Jacksonville. We’re a sanctuary city. Come here, you get free services, and there’s no consequences for not following the law, for breaking the law.”

The bill sparked protests and drew extensive public comment, with most speakers opposing the measure.

Some believed it would do more harm than good. Others called for the council to focus instead on affordable housing and infrastructure improvements.

Councilman Rory Diamond says the ordinance is about accountability, not targeting immigrants.

“The mayor knows exactly what she’s going to do, but she’s trying to, you know, hope that we all don’t pay attention, but we’re paying attention,” he said.

News4JAX reached out to Mayor Deegan’s office for comment. We are still waiting for a response.

When the bill passed two weeks ago, her office said she had concerns about the bill and would be weighing her options.