Dear Neighbor,

Today, I voted to approve eight important public safety grants for Leon County—grants that protect children, assist victims, combat human trafficking, and keep our community safe. However, I voted NO on the immigration enforcement grant, and I want to explain why.

The Commission voted 6-to-1 to accept the immigration grant funding. As my colleagues said at the meeting, they are not voting in agreement or in support of the ICE campaign of so-called immigration enforcement. They only voted to accept state tax dollars for this activity.

I also want to be clear that I understand the Sheriff is in a difficult position under these overreaching dictates from the State of Florida. Our Leon County Sheriff is the best law enforcement professional we could ask for.

As for my vote.

History warns us that "just following the law" has led to grave injustices before—from the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 to municipal orders under the Nuremberg Laws. Accepting this grant means agreeing to participate in a system that harms people, instills fear, and strips people of their dignity. Whenever we detain or arrest someone for ICE and transfer them to ICE custody, we bear some responsibility for what happens next.

Today, we learned that the State is requiring deputies to deploy to state immigration camps across Florida. The terms of this grant impose additional requirements beyond the previously mandated cooperation: reporting all interactions with suspected immigrants into a database—including full details about their lives, work, families, and photo—even if they are not arrested. It allocates $250,000 for ICE training and bonuses for 62 deputies, making up over half of the state grant total.

I will not abandon my morals, my integrity, or my belief in the human dignity of every person. Leadership means standing firm when it matters most. Grant dollars should never come at the cost of fear or harm.

Sincerely,
David O'Keefe
County Commissioner, District 5