Proposed Florida bill would permit families to sue for killings by undocumented immigrants, fine police refusing to work with ICE

A new bill has been proposed in Florida by Republican state lawmaker Rep. Berny Jacques, aiming to allow families to sue local governments over killings committed by illegal immigrants. The bill, known as the Shane Jones Act, was inspired by the tragic death of Shane Jones in a traffic accident involving an alleged illegal immigrant in 2019.

The proposed legislation seeks to impose stricter restrictions on illegal immigrants and law enforcement officials who violate the state’s immigration policies. It would provide a legal avenue for families to seek compensation from local governments if an illegal immigrant is found responsible for the death of a loved one. Additionally, the bill suggests a $10,000 fine for law enforcement agencies that fail to comply with immigration laws, with the fine going towards compensating the grieving families.

Nikki Jones, the widow of Shane Jones, expressed support for the bill, stating that it represents a turning point in holding local governments accountable for enforcing immigration laws. Rep. Berny Jacques emphasized that Florida’s current immigration laws require law enforcement agencies to collaborate with federal immigration officers, and failure to do so could result in penalties.

The legislation also addresses the issue of partnerships between local police agencies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It stipulates that police departments must make their best efforts to work with ICE and prohibits them from canceling any existing partnerships without facing consequences. This requirement is seen as essential for upholding Florida’s mandate on immigration enforcement.

According to recent data, the majority of states have active agreements between ICE and local law enforcement agencies in place. The proposed Shane Jones Act in Florida seeks to strengthen immigration enforcement measures and provide recourse for families affected by crimes involving illegal immigrants.

Overall, the bill represents a significant step towards ensuring accountability and justice in cases where illegal immigrants are responsible for tragic incidents. It underscores the importance of upholding immigration laws and collaboration between state and federal authorities to protect public safety.