New Florida Bill Would Let Families Sue Local Governments Over Crimes by Undocumented Immigrants

Under HB 229, law enforcement agencies that refuse to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under so-called 287(g) agreements would face a $10,000 fine imposed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The funds would be used to compensate families whose relatives were killed by undocumented immigrants.

"Florida stands against lawlessness," Jacques said in a press release reported by Orlando Weekly. "We will stand with law-abiding citizens first and ensure that those who break our laws are held accountable." The bill would also allow families to sue local governments that have "sanctuary" policies, already banned under Florida law, if they can prove those policies contributed to a crime.

Jacques named the bill after Shane Jones, a Florida man killed in a traffic accident involving an undocumented immigrant. His widow, Nikki Jones, has since appeared alongside Gov. Ron DeSantis advocating tougher immigration enforcement. "The Shane Jones Act represents a turning point — finally holding local governments accountable when they fail to enforce immigration laws," she said in Jacques' press release

The measure builds on a February law signed by DeSantis that eliminated in-state tuition for undocumented students and created new state-level immigration offenses. That law also requires all 67 Florida counties to enter into 287(g) agreements with ICE, enabling local officers to act as federal immigration agents.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem praised Florida's cooperation during a visit to the state this week, saying it has "provided the most law enforcement agreements under the 287(g) program than any other state." She credited the partnerships with helping federal agents detain "criminal illegal aliens."

The proposed legislation comes amid a series of court rulings upholding DeSantis' immigration policies. Last month, a Leon County judge dismissed South Miami's lawsuit challenging the requirement for local governments to work with ICE, ruling that the city lacked legal grounds to contest the state's mandate.