The Missouri bill in question proposes a program where residents can receive $1,000 for reporting illegal immigrants who are apprehended by trained bounty hunters or law enforcement. Senate Bill 72, pre-filed by Senator-elect David Gregory, aims to address the issue of illegal immigration that played a significant role in President-elect Donald Trump’s reelection.
During the Biden administration, around 11 million individuals entered the country illegally, primarily through the southern border with Mexico. If enacted, the bill would authorize certified bail bond agents to pursue those who cross the border unlawfully. Illegal immigrants apprehended under this bill would face felony charges and be detained without the possibility of probation or parole.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) would establish an information system for reporting unlawful immigrants through a toll-free number, email, and online portal. Individuals who report an illegal alien’s arrest would receive a reward of $1,000 as outlined in the bill.
Additionally, the state DPS would implement a “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program” to certify applicants as bounty hunters for identifying and detaining illegal immigrants within the state. Licensed bail bond agents, general bail bond agents, or surety recovery agents could apply to participate in the program.
Furthermore, the bill would prohibit illegal immigrants from voting, obtaining a driver’s license, accessing public benefits, or establishing legal residency within the state. Senator-elect David Gregory’s campaign, echoing Trump’s border security agenda, focused on a deportation plan that included capturing and detaining illegal immigrants until they could be deported by the federal government or vetted by the state parole board.
The bill has garnered both supporters and detractors. Border and immigration policy researcher Selene Rodriguez commended states collaborating with the federal government to combat illegal immigration, emphasizing the importance of upholding existing federal laws. On the other hand, Progressive Missouri criticized Gregory’s priorities, suggesting a focus on funding local schools instead of encouraging residents to report on their neighbors.
Incoming border czar Tom Homan plans to launch a mass deportation operation targeting illegal immigrant criminals and individuals with deportation orders. Proposed measures include rolling back Biden administration border policies, issuing a national emergency declaration, utilizing the military for deportations, reinstating Trump’s executive orders, activating the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, and defunding NGOs supporting illegal immigration.
While several states like Texas, Iowa, and Oklahoma have passed laws empowering local and state law enforcement to arrest and deport illegal immigrants, legal challenges have delayed their implementation. Arizona passed a similar ballot measure awaiting the effect of comparable laws in other states, such as Texas’s SB 4, which remains tied up in court after facing legal opposition.
Senator-elect David Gregory has not yet responded to requests for comment on the bill. Please rewrite this sentence.
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