Jacksonville is a community built on diversity, resilience, and the shared dreams of all its people. This was the message conveyed loud and clear when local attorney Belkis Plata joined Mayor Donna Deegan in a press conference today to discuss the controversial Jacksonville Illegal Immigration Act. Through her words and actions, Plata stood with the mayor, advocating for a compassionate and community-centered approach to the challenges this legislation presents.
A Controversial Immigration Bill Sparks Debate
Earlier this month, Jacksonville’s City Council passed the Jacksonville Illegal Immigration Act, a bill that has sparked heated discussion about its implications. Spearheaded by City Council Vice President Kevin Carrico, the bill provides the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) with 25 additional fingerprint scanners and requires local law enforcement to notify Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) when arrests involving undocumented immigrants occur. While its proponents argue that the bill helps fight crime and ensures community safety, its critics, including Mayor Deegan, have raised concerns about its language and potential consequences.
Mayor Deegan announced that she would neither sign nor veto the bill, allowing it to become law without her signature. Standing at City Hall alongside notable community leaders like Belkis Plata, she explained her decision with a heartfelt message of empathy and integrity.
"There is language in the bill that is hurtful and stoking fear in immigrants who are living and working here lawfully," Deegan said. “Allowing it to become law without my signature does not impede law enforcement nor prevent them from doing their job. But it does keep my name from being attached to something that creates a sense of fear in the immigrant community.”
Belkis Plata's Commitment to Justice and Community
Belkis Plata, the proud daughter of a Puerto Rican father, and immigrant mother from Columbia supported Mayor Deegan’s decision, emphasizing the importance of keeping Jacksonville an inclusive and welcoming place for all its residents. For Plata, this issue is deeply personal. Having worked with countless immigrant families over the years, she has seen firsthand the fear and anxiety that legislation like this can cause.
“We can't afford to allow legislation that divides our community or makes law-abiding residents feel unwelcome in their own city,” Mayor Deegan said during the press conference. “A Jacksonville that thrives is one where everyone feels safe, respected, and included.”
Mayor Deegan also highlighted the redundancy of the bill, noting that it duplicates existing federal and state laws without adding meaningful benefits. She argued that its primary impact would be fostering mistrust and alienation in immigrant communities, which are vital to Jacksonville’s vibrant culture and economy.
The Bigger Picture: Unity Over Division
Community leaders from diverse backgrounds stood alongside Mayor Deegan and Belkis Plata during the press conference, underscoring the collective commitment to unity and justice. Faith leaders, healthcare professionals, and legal experts all came together to show their support.
Dr. Gladys Velarde, a cardiologist at UF Health, pointed out the broader societal implications of the bill. "Introducing redundant local immigration laws will not enhance community safety; rather, it will undermine public health by instilling fear,” she explained. Dr. Velarde cited examples from the pandemic, where fear kept immigrants from seeking critical medical care.
Organizations like the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance (JIRA) also voiced their concerns, calling the bill a “missed opportunity to uphold Jacksonville's values of inclusion and justice.” JIRA vowed to expand education programs and initiatives to support affected communities, exemplifying the spirit of collective action embraced by those opposing the bill.
Why This Matters for Jacksonville
Jacksonville is more than a city; it’s a community of neighbors, friends, and families working together to build a brighter future. At its core, this issue isn’t just about immigration law. It’s about who we are as a community and what values we choose to uphold.
Mayor Deegan’s decision reflects a belief that Jacksonville can be both safe and inclusive. By providing JSO with the tools they need to enforce existing laws while rejecting divisive language, she has set a precedent for thoughtful, balanced leadership. And by standing beside her, leaders like Belkis Plata are ensuring that the voices of all Jacksonville residents are heard.
Looking Ahead with Hope and Determination
The passage of the Jacksonville Illegal Immigration Act is a reminder that the work is far from over. While the bill has become law, its opposition has sparked important conversations about the future of Jacksonville and the kind of community its residents want to create.
Belkis Plata, Mayor Deegan, and others are urging Jacksonville residents to stay informed and engaged. “Jacksonville is stronger when we stand together,” Mayor Deegan said. “We have an opportunity to show the rest of the nation what real community leadership looks like.”
Join the Conversation and Take Action
Now is the time to get involved. Stand with Mayor Deegan and Belkis Plata in support of a Jacksonville that values inclusion, empathy, and justice. Reach out to your local representatives, educate yourself on the bill’s implications, and attend upcoming community events. Together, we can build a city that thrives on unity and shared purpose.
For more information on how you can help, connect with the Northeast Florida Immigration Alliance or attend one of their educational workshops. Your voice matters.
Jacksonville’s story is still being written. Let’s make it one we can all be proud of.