Full Breakdown
Florida Attorney General Subpoenas Jacksonville Over Immigration Enforcement
2/11/2026, 4:09:27 PM
Overview of the Investigation
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a criminal subpoena to the City of Jacksonville, specifically targeting Mayor Donna Deegan's administration. The investigation seeks to determine whether the administration, particularly through its Hispanic outreach coordinator, Yanira Cardona, engaged in activities that impeded immigration enforcement. Uthmeier announced the subpoena via social media, stating, “If there’s evidence that (Deegan’s) administration coordinated to impede immigration enforcement and harbor criminal aliens, we will hold them accountable!”
Background on Yanira Cardona's Actions
The inquiry follows a controversial video posted by Cardona on her personal Instagram account, where she discussed recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities in Jacksonville. In the video, she advised viewers on how to navigate interactions with immigration officers, emphasizing compliance. This video led to her brief suspension from her position, which was later lifted after an internal review. The subpoena demands communication records from January 2 to January 16, including emails, text messages, and social media interactions related to immigration enforcement.
Official Responses and Statements
Mayor Deegan's administration has expressed its intention to fully cooperate with the subpoena. In a statement, they asserted confidence that the investigation would reveal lawful conduct by the administration. Deegan emphasized that the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, led by an elected sheriff, is responsible for interactions with immigration agencies, asserting that the mayor does not hold authority over these activities. Uthmeier, however, has criticized the administration, claiming that any local interference with immigration enforcement violates state law enacted last year, which established a framework for coordinating with federal immigration efforts.
Criticism and Opposition
The subpoena has drawn criticism from immigration advocates and local community members. Maria Garcia, an organizer with the Jacksonville Immigrants Rights Alliance, labeled the subpoena as politically motivated, arguing that informing the public about law enforcement presence does not equate to impeding enforcement. She stated, “It’s ridiculous. You’re allowed to tell people about the presence of law enforcement.”
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While Uthmeier has indicated potential criminal implications for the Deegan administration, he has not confirmed any federal involvement in the investigation, despite suggesting the possibility of utilizing the Racketeering Influence and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The lack of clarity regarding federal participation raises questions about the scope and potential consequences of the investigation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This morning, the Office of Statewide Prosecution sent a criminal subpoena to the Deegan administration in Jacksonville. If there’s evidence that her administration coordinated to impede immigration enforcement and harbor criminal aliens, we will hold them accountable!” — James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General
- “We are confident that a review of the facts will show the administration acted lawfully, as we always do.” — Mayor Donna Deegan
- “It’s ridiculous. You’re allowed to tell people about the presence of law enforcement,” — Maria Garcia, Jacksonville Immigrants Rights Alliance
This ongoing investigation highlights the tensions between local governance and state immigration enforcement policies, with implications for Jacksonville's immigrant communities and the broader political landscape in Florida.
