Jacksonville City Employee Placed on Leave After Immigration Comments Spark Controversy
A City of Jacksonville employee has been placed on administrative leave following a video she posted discussing the increased presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the area. The employee, Yanira “Yaya” Cardona, the city’s Hispanic Outreach Coordinator, urged compliance if pulled over and advised families to have a plan in case of arrest. She highlighted ICE targeting Hispanic and non-American businesses, drawing attention from state officials who condemned her comments.
Attorney General James Uthmeier and Representative Kiyan Michael responded to Cardona’s remarks, which have sparked discussions about ICE enforcement in Northeast Florida. Community members, particularly in the Hispanic community, have reported a rise in immigration-related arrests. Immigration attorney Andrea Reyes held a livestream to inform people about their rights and address the fear in the community.
The Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance issued a statement denouncing the increase in ICE sightings and calling for community unity. Despite efforts to reach out to the Department of Homeland Security for more information on the reported ICE presence and arrests, there has been no response.