JACKSONVILLE (CBS12) — Attorney General James Uthmeier announced a criminal subpoena targeting Jacksonville’s city administration over allegations of obstructing federal immigration efforts.
Uthmeier made the announcement via X, stating that there is evidence that Mayor Donna Deegan’s administration coordinated to impede immigration enforcement.
Uthmeier said at a news conference on Monday that a city official was publicly sharing information about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement locations, which Uthmeier claims interferes with immigration enforcement operations.
“We stand by the rule of law here in Florida,” Uthmeier stated. “Local officials have an obligation to assist federal law enforcement, not hinder it.”
Uthmeier pointed out that Florida laws require local officials to facilitate federal immigration efforts, and he disagreed with the Deegan’s assertion that no wrongdoing occurred.
He indicated that if evidence shows there was a coordinated effort among city officials or non-governmental organizations to obstruct enforcement, the state would take appropriate action, potentially including racketeering charges.
Uthmeier also said the state has anti-doxing laws in place, which make it illegal to disclose personal information about law enforcement officers in order to harass or threaten them.
“We will not allow this kind of behavior,” Uthmeier said. “Our goal is to maintain order and cooperation between state and federal law enforcement.”
“What we’re doing in Florida works, and if city officials think they know better than the law, we will stand in their way,” he said.
WPEC-CBS12 is a news partner of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.