Florida lawmakers are considering a bill aimed at holding local governments responsible when illegal immigrants commit serious crimes.
Republican Rep. Berny Jacques introduced the legislation, known as the Shane Jones Act, in memory of Shane Jones, who died in a 2019 traffic accident involving an illegal alien.
The measure would give families legal avenues to seek damages if local authorities fail to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Under the Shane Jones Act, families could sue municipalities or law enforcement agencies if a loved one is killed by an illegal immigrant and officials neglected to enforce state and federal immigration laws.
Agencies found in violation could face fines of up to $10,000, with funds directed to compensate victims’ families, according to the New York Post.
Jacques emphasized the measure’s importance, saying, “For too long, American families have been left to pick up the pieces after their loved ones were taken from them by crimes that could have been prevented.”
Nikki Jones, Shane’s widow, added, “The Shane Jones Act represents a turning point — finally holding local governments accountable when they fail to enforce immigration laws.”
Florida law currently instructs law enforcement agencies to make their “best efforts” to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
However, formal arrangements, such as 287(g) partnerships that allow local agencies to enforce federal immigration law, are not required statewide.
The Shane Jones Act seeks to close these enforcement gaps and establish concrete consequences for officials who fail to comply.
The legislation comes in the wake of a deadly Florida crash involving Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant from India.
Singh made an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike, resulting in a collision that killed three people.
Singh had entered the U.S. illegally in 2018 and obtained a commercial driver’s license in California.
He was arrested and charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and immigration violations.
Incidents like this have intensified debates over local enforcement responsibilities and sanctuary policies.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier responded to the crash by filing a lawsuit against California and Washington last week, arguing that their policies enabling illegal immigrants to obtain commercial driver’s licenses are unconstitutional and endanger public safety.
The lawsuit claims both states failed to meet federal safety and immigration requirements, issuing licenses to individuals without proper training or the ability to read road signs.
Supporters of the Shane Jones Act contend that the bill will incentivize municipalities to fully cooperate with federal authorities, ensuring communities are better protected.
They argue that holding local governments accountable will discourage policies that may shield illegal aliens who pose risks to public safety.
Opponents caution that the measure could lead to an increase in lawsuits against local authorities, potentially straining public resources.
Some critics also warn that the legislation may create tension between municipalities and state agencies, complicating relations between communities and law enforcement.
As the Shane Jones Act moves through the Florida legislature, it is expected to spark vigorous debate among lawmakers, advocacy groups and families affected by violent crimes.
Observers note that if passed, it could set a precedent for other states considering measures to hold local governments accountable for the actions of illegal immigrants.
For families like the Joneses, the bill represents a potential path toward justice.
For policymakers, it raises pressing questions about balancing enforcement priorities, community trust, and public safety in a state navigating complex immigration challenges.
