Hundreds of speakers oppose $1 billion jail plan, express alarm over proposed immigration enforcement and Brentwood morgue

Hundreds of Jacksonville residents used the council’s public-comment period to oppose a proposed $1 billion jail project, criticize draft local immigration-enforcement measures that would expand JSO’s role, and object to a proposed morgue and forensic facility in the Brentwood neighborhood.

The public-comment portion opened under the council’s public-comment rule (referred to in the meeting as ordinance 2024-75). Speakers were limited to 1 minute 15 seconds to accommodate the number of cards filed; the council indicated 60 minutes were allotted but shortened the per-speaker time so all could be heard.

Community members repeatedly pressed two core points: (1) the proposed new jail would cost taxpayers up to roughly $1 billion and could expand detention capacity that advocates say will be used disproportionately against Black and immigrant residents; and (2) Brentwood residents and neighborhood groups said the proposed 300-body morgue and associated forensic lab were sited without adequate notice and are inappropriate near homes and schools.

Advocates and residents framed the jail plan as a budget and equity issue. Jamie Collins Marella, speaking for the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance, said the city should “prioritize meeting the needs of their constituents regardless of status instead of funneling a billion dollars of taxpayer money into a new jail.” Lydia Bell, who identified herself as a Brentwood resident, said: “We want a Brentwood Skill Center, not a Brentwood Kill Center, and no billion dollar jail.”

Several speakers raised the immigration measures and JSO’s role in enforcement. Maria Garcia of the Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance told the council, “This bill isn't about safety. It's about scapegoating immigrants for political gain,” and warned of racial profiling and harm to families. Joseph Ray, a local pastor, asked how officers would distinguish between people who are and are not in the country legally: “How are you going to know who's legal, who's not legal?”

Speakers also highlighted public-health, environmental and notice concerns tied to the Brentwood site. Rachel Grama said that from some homes “you can clearly see the smoke stacks,” calling the facility “a daily reminder of loss imposed on a community that had little to say in the decision.” Multiple Brentwood residents said they had not received adequate neighborhood notice and urged the council to explore alternative, industrial locations or repurposing vacant properties.

Speakers suggested alternatives to a new jail: expanding mental-health services, more shelter beds and community investment were offered repeatedly. Amelia Moss recommended funding a city mental-health facility; Taylor Powell and others urged investment in housing, addiction recovery and services for people experiencing homelessness.

What the council recorded: this portion was public comment; no formal votes were taken on the jail plan or the immigration measures during the public-comment period reported in the transcript. Council members did not take action during the public-comment segment but will receive these comments as part of the public record.

Representative quotes from the session: - "This bill isn't about safety. It's about scapegoating immigrants for political gain," — Maria Garcia, Jacksonville Immigrant Rights Alliance. - "We want a Brentwood Skill Center, not a Brentwood Kill Center, and no billion dollar jail," — Lydia Bell, Brentwood resident. - "How are you going to know who's legal, who's not legal?" — Joseph Ray, pastor and resident. - "We reject the idea of a $1,000,000,000 jail," — Moss Edwards, community member.

Next steps: the council will retain the public comments in the meeting record; several speakers urged that any decision to build a new jail be put to a public vote or that the council withdraw the proposal and instead invest in community services. Advocates signaled continued organizing and neighborhood meetings ahead of future land-use and budget decisions.