Rep. Berny Jacques (R-Seminole) has filed legislation in the Florida House to give compensation to Americans and their families as a result of crimes committed by illegal aliens in the country.
The bill, HB 229, would impose a $10,000 penalty on any Florida law enforcement agency that refuses to enforce and comply with the current state immigrant law, which was established in February 2025 under Gov. Ron DeSantis.
More specifically, the law requires law enforcement agencies to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to facilitate the removal of illegal aliens from the state of Florida, or face possible fines.
Filed by Rep. Jacques this week, HB 229 would thus permit those fines to be allocated to victims of illegal alien crime, as well as their families. It would also allow any victim to obtain a cause of action against local governments operating under sanctuary policies that violate state immigration law, giving them another avenue for compensation due to the crime.
“Florida stands against lawlessness," Jacques said in a release. "We will stand with law-abiding citizens first and ensure that those who break our laws are held accountable."
Dubbed the "Shane Jones Act," HB 229 was introduced following the death of Shane Jones, a U.S. Air Force veteran who was killed by an illegal alien drunk driver in Brevard County in 2019.
The illegal alien also had multiple prior DUIs and other driving violations.
“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 the release. “The Shane Jones Act represents a turning point—finally holding local governments accountable when they fail to enforce immigration laws."
Jones, a 21-year veteran, also had two daughters. According to Nikki Jones, ICE was never contacted about the driver's prior arrests.
"This is about justice, accountability, and compassion for the victims and families who deserve to be heard. No American family should ever be left behind," Jones added.
To honor her husband, Jones started The Voices Foundation in 2019, a non-profit dedicated to assisting victims and their families of illegal alien crime. "Voices" stands for victims of illegals championing enhanced safety.
HB 229 has not yet received a Senate companion. If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026.
The Florida legislative session begins on Jan. 13.
