A Republican lawmaker in Florida has introduced legislation that would allow families to take legal action against local governments in cases where an illegal immigrant is responsible for a killing. The proposal, called the Shane Jones Act, builds on Florida’s existing immigration enforcement measures. It is named after Shane Jones, who was killed in 2019 during a car crash involving an illegal immigrant.
State Rep. Berny Jacques, the bill’s sponsor, said the legislation was inspired by Jones’ widow, Nikki Jones, who advocated for stronger accountability after her husband’s death. The measure seeks to impose stricter penalties on both illegal immigrants and law enforcement agencies that fail to comply with state immigration laws, according to the New York Post.
“For too long, American families have been left to pick up the pieces after their loved ones were taken from them by crimes that could have been prevented,” Nikki Jones said in a press release. “The Shane Jones Act represents a turning point — finally holding local governments accountable when they fail to enforce immigration laws.”
Under the proposed bill, families could sue local governments for the wrongful death of a loved one if an illegal immigrant is found responsible. The legislation also includes a $10,000 fine for law enforcement agencies that refuse to comply with state immigration mandates, with those funds directed toward compensating affected families.
According to a press release from Jacques’ office, the state’s immigration laws already require law enforcement agencies to “collaborate with federal immigration enforcement officers.” Florida law mandates that police departments make their “best efforts” to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), though they are not obligated to enter into formal 287(g) agreements with the federal agency.
The state further maintains that once local governments agree to such partnerships, they cannot withdraw from them.