Florida Lawmaker Proposes Immigration Enforcement Bill
A Florida lawmaker is looking to enhance the state’s immigration enforcement through a new bill designed to penalize police departments that refuse to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This legislation would also enable families to take legal action against government entities that fail to adequately respond to crimes involving undocumented immigrants.
The proposed bill, called the Shane Jones Act, honors an Air Force veteran and father who was tragically killed in a 2019 motorcycle accident caused by an unlicensed and intoxicated undocumented driver in a Tampa suburb. Introduced recently, the bill aims to tighten existing immigration policies.
State Representative Bernie Jack, who is a Republican and sponsor of the bill, emphasized its importance on “Fox & Friends First.” He stated that it communicates to local authorities and governments that they need to uphold immigration laws or face consequences.
Recent Fatalities Prompt Legislative Action
Jack mentioned that this initiative aligns with the state’s stance against being a “sanctuary state,” asserting that Florida has legally reinforced this position. He believes the bill will constrain institutions from neglecting their duties regarding immigration enforcement.
During the same broadcast, Shane Jones’ widow, Nikki, shared her family’s heartbreak over her husband’s death, underscoring the bill’s significance. She reflected on her struggles as a single mother and the impact of losing a partner who contributed to the family’s stability.
Nikki recounted the prior contacts the undocumented driver had with law enforcement, highlighting the lack of intervention from ICE. She expressed how filing a lawsuit after her husband’s death could have provided some financial relief and ease her worries about losing their home while raising her daughters.
According to Jack, the sizable fines imposed on those failing to enforce immigration laws—amounting to around $10,000—would be directed toward compensating victims of crimes perpetrated by undocumented individuals. He hopes this could act as a deterrent for negligence and prevent further tragedies.
As Jack noted, there are numerous families who have faced similar losses due to the actions of undocumented immigrants. He stated that these situations could often be avoidable if the individuals were properly monitored instead of experiencing what he describes as “catch-and-release.”
