We are in dark times in Florida right now. In two days, the State of Florida plans to execute James “Jimbo” Ford in our names. At the same time, the Florida Legislature has started a special session to pass sweeping anti-immigrant legislation, which includes a blatantly unconstitutional provision calling for the mandatory death penalty for “unauthorized aliens” who commit capital crimes.
Two weeks ago, we released this statement in opposition to the originally filed bill, knowing it was likely that Governor DeSantis would veto it. Now, however, the Governor and legislature are working together to make this bill law by the end of this week.
I’m not going to lie, it is really exhausting to repeatedly fight misinformation about the death penalty, combat fear mongering against immigrants, and all the while fighting to stop an execution.
And yet, we fight even when we are weary. We don’t give up. We know that we are on the right and just and humane side of history.
What can you do?
For James Ford:
- Write to Governor DeSantis and urge him to stop Ford’s execution – we are less than 200 letters away from 1,000.
- Sign our petition. We will deliver the signatures to Governor DeSantis on Thursday, and our goal is to collect at least 5,000 signatures before then. Already signed? Share this with five friends right now. Together, we can show that there is overwhelming opposition to this execution and the death penalty.
- I will be at Florida State Prison at 5 pm on Thursday for our vigil and protest, and I invite you to join me and our Director of Organizing, Armando, and our Board Chair, Herman Lindsey, in person. While there, we will also Zoom into the virtual vigilhosted by Death Penalty Action, where our Communications Coordinator, Bridget, will be participating. If you can’t make it to the prison or online, we encourage you to join one of the many vigils and protests happening across the state in opposition to James’ execution.
For the Mandatory Death Penalty Bill:
- For our Florida residents, tell your lawmakers to vote NO on the mandatory death penalty: send a letter to your State Representatives and Senators using this tool.
- The proposed bill will first be heard in tomorrow’s Senate Appropriations Committee at 10 am. Here is a list of committee members for you to contact and urge them to vote NO. We will be sending a statement in opposition to the committee and will provide updates on our social media after tomorrow’s hearing.
Onward,
Maria DeLiberato
FADP Executive Director