❌ICE Recruitment Here! Action Alert, June 15, 2026

beachesactivistmov
3 hours ago
4 min read

Protest ICE Job Fair in JAX This Week!

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be attempting to recruit from our community next week, on Tuesday, June 16, and Wednesday, June 17. We refuse to let them normalize family separations, community sweeps, and deportation quotas on our watch.

Join BAM, area Indivisible groups, and other advocates at the Prime Osbourne Convention Center,1000 Water Street, at 8:45 a.m. to peacefully protest DHS's recruitment effort and make it clear that ICE is not welcome here. As we’ve emphasized at all this year’s No Kings events - one of our core commitments is to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events. RSVP here for more information and the latest updates. Email us if you want to carpool from the Beach.

Let's stand on the right side of history and say NO to DHS recruitment.

Qualifying Ends: The 2026 Election is On

The ballot for Florida's November 3, 2026 midterm election was set last Friday, with hundreds of candidates qualifying for federal, state, and local seats. Statewide seats up for election this year include Governor, Chief Financial Officer, Attorney General, Ag Commissioner, and U.S. Senator. While northeast Florida was unaffected, the 2026 election will be the first using a newly gerrymandered map adopted just weeks ago by the state legislature. Voting rights groups were unsuccessful in their efforts to challenge the map.

More than two dozen candidates --- including 11 GOPs, six DEMs, six NPAs, and 1 Libertarian --- are on the ballot for Governor. Locally, five candidates are competing to unseat U.S. Rep. John Rutherford, who is seeking re-election in Congressional District 5, which covers the Beach. The ballot also includes a host of judicial candidates and seats in special districts. Find a list of state and federal candidates here and a list of candidates in Jacksonville races here. Beaches cities will also hold elections in November --- click to see the candidates running in Atlantic and Neptune Beach.

Sadly, Beaches' State Senator Clay Yarborough and Rep. Kiyan Michael drew no opposition and will retain their seats in the legislature, though their votes have rarely reflected BAM's values or priorities. Three candidates qualified for our area's nonpartisan School Board District 2 seat, currently held by April Carney, who is not seeking re-election.

Step One: Primary Turnout is Key

Victory in November depends first on educating and motivating voters to take part in our August 18th primary election. That's when registered Democratic & Republican voters will select candidates to represent their parties in the November general election. Because Florida is a "closed primary" state, most Independent voters often skip the primary. But this August we need to ensure all voters know they can vote for seats on the nonpartisan Duval County School Board.

If you think it's time to break the stronghold Moms for Liberty has on our Duval School Board, make sure all your friends and neighbors - of all parties and none - know that this essential race will likely be decided in August, not November. Thanks to a large BAM crowd, we mailed 700+ of the primary information cards below to area voters last week. Share this information widely. Need more information on candidates and issues? The BAM 2026 Midterm Election Guide will be available soon!

Beaches DEMS Host Mone Holder Tuesday

Mone Holder, candidate for City Council At-Large Group 1, will be the featured speaker at the Beaches Democratic Club on Tuesday (June 16) at 6:30 p.m. at the Neptune Beach Senior Center, 2004 Forest Ave, Neptune Beach. Holder is seeking the seat recently vacated by Terrance Freeman in a special election on August 18th. Holder is the chief advocacy and political officer at Florida Rising. She is also a member of the city’s Planning Commission. Bring your pen --- the Beaches DEMS will be postcarding too!

Beyond Red & Blue: Where Are You?

The PEW Research Center just released its new analysis of the country's political landscape and found we are much more than just red or blue. In fact, the organization identified nine distinct groups, each defined by its own mix of values, beliefs, and experiences. These include four highly ideological and engaged groups – two on the right and two on the left – and five other groups in a large and messy political middle. The typology, notes the organization, reflects how Americans think about government, society and their place in public life, and underscores the challenges politicians and leaders face in building the consensus needed to govern the country.

Wondering where you fall? Take this quiz to find out. It's a great conversation starter to use with friends and family!

Trump's Birthday Weekend

RAISE HOTLINE: 1-888-600-5762

Have you recently seen, interacted with, been detained, or know someone impacted by ICE? Call the hotline. Alert local Legal Observers and connect detainees with assistance and resources. Email us to learn more about how you can help!