Jacksonville's Controversial Grant Vote Targets Undocumented Immigrants

Jacksonville, USA - On June 11, 2025, the Jacksonville City Council made a striking move by passing Ordinance 2025-0138. This ordinance imposes new reporting requirements on grant recipients about services provided to undocumented immigrants. The council’s decision, which passed with an 11-to-7 vote, was led by Beaches council member Rory Diamond and has sparked significant public interest and controversy.

As stated in JaxToday, the newly approved ordinance emphasizes that organizations receiving city grant funding may jeopardize their financial support if they provide services to undocumented individuals. Furthermore, it asserts that the mayor’s office must work to prevent state and federal funds from being used to support diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Mayor Donna Deegan has voiced her concerns about the implications of the bill and is currently reviewing her possible actions following the council’s contentious vote.

A Glimpse at the Exemptions

The ordinance does allow for certain exemptions, especially concerning essential services. Medical services at UF Health Jacksonville, medical care for pregnant women, and children’s services from the Kids Hope Alliance will not be impacted. Additionally, services aimed at victims of domestic violence and human trafficking, as well as those for active-duty military, are also exempted from these reporting requirements. However, cultural service grant recipients are required to report the services they knowingly provide to undocumented immigrants.

Notably, the vote took place amid rising tensions surrounding national immigration enforcement, with protests occurring outside City Hall. About two dozen demonstrators expressed their discontent with the new regulations during the six-hour council meeting. Council member Diamond indicated that the bill was a response to former President Biden’s immigration policies and echoed sentiments among local supporters of Trump.

Public Opinion and Political Dynamics

The decision has prompted a mixed reaction from the community. According to a recent poll cited by Jacksonville.com, only 2% of respondents identified immigration as the key issue facing Jacksonville, raising questions about the necessity of such a law. Despite this, the Jacksonville City Council has become the first in the nation to enact its own illegal immigration law, which imposes mandatory jail sentences for illegal entry.

Critics of the ordinance, which has garnered bipartisan opposition, argue that the legislation is more politically motivated than a genuine effort to improve public policy or safety. Council member Matt Carlucci expressed his concerns, emphasizing that the ordinance effectively excludes undocumented individuals from accessing city-supported services. Others, including Kevin Gay from Operation New Hope, have criticized the legislation as morally shortsighted.

Legal Challenges and Future Considerations

As highlighted by VisaVerge, a separate ordinance passed on March 25, 2025, criminalizes undocumented residency with penalties of up to 60 days in jail. This creates additional complexities in Jacksonville’s stance on undocumented residents. Mayor Deegan has indicated that she is conducting a thorough legal review of the measures, particularly considering potential constitutional challenges and the ramifications for local taxpayers.

This hesitance reflects a broader tension between local, state, and federal immigration policies in Florida. While state officials like Governor Ron DeSantis advocate for stringent measures, cities such as Los Angeles and New York take a more protective approach towards undocumented residents.

In these contentious times, Jacksonville stands at a crossroads with its controversial measures. As Mayor Deegan deliberates on her options regarding the new legislation, the community watches closely, weighing the implications for all residents and the city as a whole.