Missouri is proposing a bounty program targeting illegal immigrants, reflecting growing concerns over border security and unauthorized immigration in the state.
Senate Bill 72, introduced by State Senator-elect David Gregory, offers a $1,000 reward for reporting suspected illegal immigrants through a web portal, hotline, or email.
The bill includes measures to prevent illegal immigrants from accessing public benefits, voting, obtaining driver’s licenses or securing legal residency, and creates a “trespass by an illegal alien” offense.
SB 72 also establishes a bounty hunter program allowing licensed agents to apprehend illegal immigrants, with penalties including felony charges for being in the state illegally.
The proposal aligns with broader efforts by red states to enforce immigration laws and coincides with President-elect Donald Trump’s renewed focus on border security and deportation.
Missouri is considering a bounty program aimed at illegal immigrants, reflecting the Show-Me State’s growing concerns over border security and the impact of unauthorized immigration.
Incoming Missouri State Senator-elect David Gregory (R-District 15) announced Senate Bill (SB) 72 on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Under the proposal, Missouri authorities would reward a $1,000 bounty to anyone who reports migrants suspected of being in the country illegally.
Citizens can file reports with the Missouri State Highway Patrol through a web portal, which would be set up under SB 72 and maintained by the Missouri Department of Public Safety. Missourians can also report illegals through a toll-free telephone hotline and email.
It also outlines the creation of the Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program, which would allow licensed bail bond agents and surety recovery agents to apprehend illegals. Moreover, SB 72 would prohibit illegals from accessing public benefits, voting in elections, obtaining driver’s licenses or securing legal residency in the state.
SB 72 also creates “the offense of trespass by an illegal alien,” as per American Military News. “A person shall be guilty of such offense if the person is an illegal alien who knowingly enters this state and remains here and is physically present in the state at the time a licensed bounty hunter or peace officer apprehends the person.”
“As I ran for State Senate, I promised to make Missouri a national leader in combating illegal immigration. Now, I’m following through with my promise.” the state senator-elect wrote on X.
“SB 72 makes it a felony to be here illegally and the bill will finally allow Missouri law enforcement to find and arrest illegal immigrants. We need all hands on deck to ensure we catch illegal immigrants before they commit violent crimes.”
Missouri aligns with Trump’s border security efforts
SB 72 is one of seven bills introduced in the state legislature to address the immigration issue. Other bills introduced sought to fine cities $25,000 per day if they implement sanctuary city policies, require businesses to ensure employees are properly documented and establish a new immigration offense with consequences such as jail time and removal.
The bounty system proposed by Missouri reflects a rising trend among red states to expand immigration enforcement at the local level. While critics argue that such measures may lead to profiling and legal challenges, supporters claim they are essential to maintaining the rule of law. Nevertheless, the bounty program aligns closely with President-elect Donald Trump’s renewed focus on border security and aggressive immigration enforcement. (Related: Missouri to deploy National Guard and State Highway Patrol troopers to Texas to help secure the border.)
Trump’s promise to implement the “largest deportation operation in American history” will be overseen by border czar Tom Homan. The new border czar is no stranger to immigration, having been appointed as acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during the first Trump administration. This time around, he has promised a crackdown on organizations facilitating illegal immigration into the country.
Homan said during an appearance on Fox News: “The Trump team is coming to town. We’re going to take control on Jan. 20 and people are going to be held accountable.”
Head over to Migrants.news for more stories about illegal immigrants.
The prime minister is visiting Norway to launch a new green energy deal before attending a defence summit in Estonia.Sir Keir Starmer will travel to a carbon capture and storage site today and meet his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store to discuss the new Green Industrial Partnership. Number 10 said both leaders intend to sign the deal in spring 2025.Read more: Major shake-up of UK energy system could 'lower bills […]
Post comments (0)