A state prosecutor has subpoenaed the city of Jacksonville to investigate allegations of immigration enforcement interference connected to Mayor Donna Deegan’s Hispanic outreach coordinator. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced this subpoena, stating that if evidence reveals coordination to impede immigration enforcement, those responsible will be held accountable. The subpoena demands emails, text messages, and social media communications related to the actions of Yanira Cardona, the city's first Hispanic outreach coordinator, who recently returned from a brief suspension following a viral video where she discussed ICE activity and offered guidance on interacting with immigration officers.
Melissa Ross, Deegan's press liaison, confirmed Cardona remains employed during the ongoing investigation. The Deegan administration is cooperating with the subpoena but suggests the situation is politically charged and distracts from pressing local issues like healthcare and housing costs. Uthmeier argues that any local interference with immigration enforcement is against state law. Critics, including local immigrant rights advocates, view the subpoena as a political tactic rather than a legitimate legal action.
Melissa Ross, Deegan's press liaison, confirmed Cardona remains employed during the ongoing investigation. The Deegan administration is cooperating with the subpoena but suggests the situation is politically charged and distracts from pressing local issues like healthcare and housing costs. Uthmeier argues that any local interference with immigration enforcement is against state law. Critics, including local immigrant rights advocates, view the subpoena as a political tactic rather than a legitimate legal action.
