Florida Mayor Notified Sheriffs Not to Enforce Immigration Law

| Published May 31, 2025

Jacksonville City Council President Kevin Carrico has revealed that Democrat Mayor Donna Deegan has notified sheriffs not to enforce state or local immigration laws.

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan’s Office of General Counsel advised the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) not to enforce certain state and local immigration laws. This guidance was issued in light of a federal court injunction blocking parts of Florida’s new immigration law, specifically Fla. Stat. §§ 811.102-103. The Office of General Counsel emphasized that enforcing these provisions while the injunction is in place could violate federal court orders. Additionally, they noted that the local ordinance in question is redundant to the state law currently under injunction. The mayor’s office clarified that this was legal advice aimed at preventing potential lawsuits against the city and that they do not have authority over the JSO.

This situation underscores the ongoing tension between state and local authorities in Florida regarding immigration enforcement. Governor Ron DeSantis has been a proponent of strict immigration laws and has taken steps to involve local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement efforts. However, some local officials and law enforcement agencies have expressed concerns about the implications of these laws and the potential for legal challenges. For instance, Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony stated that his deputies would not expand their role in immigration enforcement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining trust within immigrant communities.

NEW: Jacksonville City Council President-Elect @CMKevinCarrico reveals that the mayor’s Office of General Council has notified the sheriff to not enforce state or local immigration law pic.twitter.com/0o2MY0GTcw

— Florida’s Voice (@FLVoiceNews) May 29, 2025

The federal court’s injunction and the subsequent legal advice from Jacksonville’s Office of General Counsel highlight the complexities and legal challenges surrounding state-level immigration enforcement. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how these tensions will be resolved and what impact they will have on immigration policy and enforcement in Florida.

The implications of this development—Jacksonville’s mayor advising the sheriff not to enforce a state immigration law—are far-reaching across legal, political, and community lines:

1. Legal Precedence & Compliance

• Federal vs. State Authority: The city’s legal counsel is deferring to a federal court injunction, emphasizing how federal rulings can temporarily block state law enforcement, especially on constitutional grounds.

• Risk of litigation: If local officials defy the federal injunction, they could expose the city and law enforcement agencies to lawsuits or penalties for contempt of court.

2. State vs. Local Government Tension

• Conflict of jurisdictions: Governor DeSantis’ immigration agenda may face resistance not just in the courts, but from local governments who see enforcement as either legally risky or socially damaging.

• Political backlash: Local officials may face criticism from the state government or from constituents who support stricter immigration enforcement.

3. Law Enforcement Challenges

• Unclear directives: Sheriffs are caught between conflicting guidance from state leaders and federal courts, complicating their ability to enforce the law confidently.

• Strained resources and priorities: Some sheriffs, like Broward County’s, argue that immigration enforcement isn’t their role, especially when it could erode public trust with immigrant communities.

4. Immigration Policy Debate

• Fuel for broader debate: This incident highlights the ongoing national debate about who should enforce immigration law—states, cities, or only federal authorities.

• Community trust issues: Enforcement policies seen as aggressive may discourage immigrants from cooperating with police or reporting crimes.

Overall Takeaway:

Local governments like Jacksonville are actively pushing back against state-level immigration enforcement when it conflicts with federal court rulings and legal risk. This situation reveals deep fractures between state and local authorities over who should enforce immigration laws, especially when courts intervene.

It also reflects a broader struggle in the U.S. over immigration policy, where legal uncertainty, political agendas, and community trust all collide.

SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Florida Mayor Notified Sheriffs Not to Enforce Immigration Law