Missouri lawmaker proposes $1,000 bounty for reporting illegal immigrants, sparking nationwide debate on immigration enforcement.
At a Glance
- Missouri Senate Bill 72 offers $1,000 reward for reporting illegal immigrants
- Bill establishes “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program”
- Proposal aligns with President-elect Trump’s mass deportation plans
- Bill aims to make illegal presence in Missouri a felony offense
- State Senator-elect David Gregory positions Missouri as leader in immigration control
Missouri’s Bold Move in Immigration Enforcement
Missouri State Senator-elect David Gregory has introduced a bill that could reshape immigration enforcement in the state. Senate Bill 72 proposes a $1,000 reward for citizens who report illegal immigrants, potentially transforming ordinary residents into active participants in immigration control. This controversial measure aims to position Missouri at the forefront of combating illegal immigration, aligning with President-elect Donald Trump’s broader plans for nationwide immigration reform.
The bill outlines the creation of a comprehensive reporting system by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, including a hotline, email, and online portal. This system would enable citizens to easily report suspected illegal immigrants, with successful tips rewarded with a $1,000 bounty. Gregory’s proposal goes beyond mere reporting, introducing the “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program” for the active detention of illegal aliens.
Felony Classification and Bounty Hunter Program
A key aspect of Senate Bill 72 is its reclassification of illegal presence in Missouri as a felony offense. This significant legal shift would dramatically increase the consequences for undocumented immigrants in the state. The bill also specifies that only licensed bail bond agents or surety recovery agents can serve as bounty hunters under this program, ensuring a level of professionalism and training in the enforcement process.
“As I ran for State Senate, I promised to make Missouri a national leader in combating illegal immigration,” Gregory said.
Gregory’s initiative is not just about enforcement; it’s a preemptive strategy aimed at preventing potential crimes by illegal immigrants. The Senator-elect emphasizes the importance of apprehending undocumented individuals before they have the opportunity to commit violent offenses, reflecting a broader concern about public safety and national security.
Senate Bill 72 was pre-filed to the Missouri legislature by House Representative David Gregory to pay Missourians $1000 to find and detain illegal immigrants in the show-me-state. https://t.co/ney3p3HBgc
— KCTV5 News (@KCTV5) December 5, 2024
Alignment with National Immigration Policy
The timing of this bill is significant, coming in the wake of a highly contentious 2024 election cycle where immigration was a pivotal issue. President-elect Trump’s campaign promises included intensifying immigration enforcement, completing the southern border wall, and conducting large-scale deportation operations. Missouri’s Senate Bill 72 appears to be a state-level manifestation of these national policy goals, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow.
While supporters view this bill as a necessary step in addressing illegal immigration, critics raise concerns about potential civil rights violations and the creation of a climate of fear and suspicion. The proposed bounty system, in particular, has drawn comparisons to historical practices that have been criticized for encouraging vigilantism and racial profiling. As the bill moves through the legislative process, it is likely to face intense scrutiny and debate, both within Missouri and on the national stage.
