Florida bill would allow families to sue for killings by illegal migrants, fine police refusing to work with ICE
A new bill proposed in Florida would permit fines to be placed on police departments that refuse to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. AFP via Getty Images
A Republican Florida state lawmaker introduced a bill Monday that would allow families to sue certain local governments if their loved ones are killed by illegal immigrants.
The proposed legislation, named the Shane Jones Act, would expand Florida’s strict immigration policies. It honors Shane Jones, who was killed in a 2019 traffic accident involving an alleged illegal immigrant.
State Rep. Berny Jacques, who sponsored the bill, said Jones’ widow, Nikki Jones, helped inspire its creation. The legislation would impose tougher restrictions on illegal immigrants and could hold law enforcement agencies accountable if they fail to follow state immigration policies.
“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.”
The bill outlines a legal framework allowing families to sue local governments for the death of a loved one, but only when an illegal immigrant is found responsible. It also proposes a $10,000 fine for law enforcement agencies that fail to comply, with funds directed to the grieving families.
Jacques emphasized that Florida’s current immigration laws already require law enforcement agencies to cooperate with federal immigration officials. Police departments are expected to use their “best efforts” to work with ICE, though they are not required to enter formal 287(g) agreements. The state has argued that any city or police department attempting to cancel such agreements would be violating Florida’s mandate.
As of May 2025, all but 10 U.S. states have at least one active partnership agreement between ICE and local law enforcement agencies.
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