In an unprecedented move, the Jacksonville City Council is considering legislation that would criminalize the presence of undocumented immigrants within Duval County—an aggressive local twist on broader Republican-led immigration crackdowns at the state and federal levels. At the same time, the City Council’s controversial Duval DOGE committee is pushing hard for spending cuts and fiscal discipline, creating a political storm that reflects deep ideological divides within city leadership.

As Mayor Donna Deegan and her Democratic allies voice strong opposition to these measures, the political and financial reality is becoming clear: Jacksonville cannot afford to be out of step with Tallahassee or Washington, D.C., both of which are under firm Republican control. The city is heading toward a fiscal cliff, and cooperation—not confrontation—may be the only path to avoid long-term pain for residents.

Immigration Enforcement Goes Local: Jacksonville’s Controversial Bill

Jacksonville could soon become the first city in Florida to criminalize the entry of undocumented immigrants under a new proposal backed by nine City Council members. Introduced by Councilman Kevin Carrico, the Jacksonville Illegal Immigration Enforcement Act (2025-147) mirrors a recently enacted state law and proposes 30- to 60-day jail sentences for immigrants found within city limits without legal status.

Supporters argue it’s about enhancing public safety, citing rising numbers of immigrants without legal status being arrested—334 in 2024 alone, including cases of assault, DUI, and even homicide. Critics, however, including several City Council members and civil rights advocates, say the bill is both unconstitutional and unnecessary, pointing out that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.

Despite legal concerns and vocal opposition, the bill could pass with just one more vote from the 19-member Council, signaling how seriously Republican leadership in Jacksonville is aligning with national GOP priorities.

The Duval DOGE Committee: Efficiency or Political Theater?

Running parallel to the immigration debate is the formation of the Duval DOGE Committee, a five-member, all-Republican task force aimed at identifying wasteful city spending. The committee—formed by Councilman Ron Salem and excluding any Democratic members—has sparked allegations of partisanship and political grandstanding.

Critics, including Councilman Jimmy Peluso, have derided the committee as a "Salem witch hunt" targeting Mayor Deegan in advance of the 2027 election. But Salem and his allies argue the city faces a dire financial future and must act swiftly. The city auditors back that claim: forecasts show $40–100 million annual budget deficits for the next four years, not including the massive future costs of a new jail and convention center—each estimated at over $1 billion.

These costs stem in part from Mayor Deegan’s decision to donate the Prime Osborn Convention Center to the University of Florida, requiring the city to relocate its jail and build a new civic facility. While Deegan has touted her "Lean 904" initiative for government efficiency, critics argue that her administration is simultaneously committing Jacksonville to unfunded and costly projects.

Politics Meets Policy: The Risk of Partisan Isolation

Mayor Deegan’s opposition to the immigration bill and the DOGE committee may resonate with her Democratic base, but it could ultimately come at a cost. The federal government and the State of Florida are both dominated by Republican leadership, and history shows that cities out of sync with their state and federal counterparts risk losing critical funding.

Former Democratic Mayor Alvin Brown worked across the aisle with then-Governor Rick Scott to secure economic support. In contrast, Deegan has taken a confrontational stance toward Governor Ron DeSantis and the state GOP, raising concerns about Jacksonville's ability to attract state and federal investment during a time of financial need.

Consider this: the city is also contributing $775 million toward the Jacksonville Jaguars’ "stadium of the future" and continues to approve tens of millions of dolars in incentives for downtown development. With rising pension obligations and the loss of pandemic relief funds, these commitments are stacking up quickly—and without reliable state or federal support, local taxpayers may be on the hook.

The Stakes Are High: Pragmatism Over Politics

At its core, the situation in Jacksonville is not just about immigration or budget cuts—it’s about governance. Republican council members are seeking to align local policy with broader Republican agendas at the state and federal levels. That alignment may very well be a strategic necessity if Jacksonville hopes to receive support for its infrastructure, policing, and economic development efforts.

Mayor Deegan and her allies must recognize that opposition, if purely ideological, could result in isolation. Republican leadership controls the levers of financial power in Tallahassee and Washington, and if Jacksonville’s leadership fails to engage in good faith with those offices, the consequences could include delayed infrastructure projects, and stalled economic development.

The DOGE committee and the immigration bill may be polarizing, but they reflect a broader strategic push: to position Jacksonville as a city that speaks the same political language as the state and federal governments. Whether that’s the right path for the city is still up for debate—but ignoring the reality of political alignment may come at a steep cost.

Crossroads or Collision Course?

Jacksonville is standing at a political crossroads. It can choose pragmatism—cooperation with Republican leadership to secure funding and address deficits—or it can stay on a path of partisan conflict that could make fiscal challenges even harder to overcome.

Mayor Deegan still has time to pivot. Working with the City Council, embracing bipartisan dialogue, and aligning key policy objectives with Tallahassee and D.C. might just be the key to securing Jacksonville’s future. But if political opposition continues to outweigh practical governance, the real price will be paid not by politicians—but by the residents of Jacksonville.