Missouri Considers Plan To Offer A $1,000 Bounty Reward For Reporting Illegal Immigrants

A controversial legislative proposal by Missouri’s newly elected State Senator David Gregory from St. Louis County has sparked significant backlash.

Gregory’s plan, which was publicized on Tuesday, suggests offering Missourians a $1,000 bounty for reporting undocumented migrants to the state highway patrol. Click that link to view the bill.

Gregory, who campaigned heavily on issues related to the U.S.-Mexico border, has now moved forward with Senate Bill 72. This bill would not only establish a reward system for reporting but also introduce the “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program.” Under this program, individuals could apply for certification to find and detain those without legal status, effectively creating a state-level bounty hunting operation.

Senate Bill 72 proposes the creation of a “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program,” designed to certify individuals as bounty hunters tasked with locating and detaining immigrants lacking proper documentation. This certification would be open to those already licensed as bail bond agents.

Under this bill, anyone found in Missouri without legal documentation, who has knowingly entered the state, would be charged with “trespass by an illegal alien.” Such individuals would be barred from receiving public benefits, participating in elections, obtaining a driver’s license, or achieving legal residency in Missouri.

This proposal arises amid ongoing debates about the extent to which states can intervene in immigration matters, which are typically under federal jurisdiction.

Missouri, like many states in the U.S., has been grappling with the complexities of immigration policy, especially concerning undocumented immigrants. While there’s no official county designated specifically for illegal immigrants in Missouri, the state has seen a variety of legislative and community responses to the presence of such individuals. Here’s a nuanced exploration based on recent developments and historical context:

Missouri has passed several laws aimed at addressing illegal immigration, often with a focus on enforcement rather than support. For instance, in 2008, Missouri enacted a law requiring local law enforcement to verify the immigration status of arrested individuals, a move towards stricter enforcement. More recently, proposals have been introduced that would penalize cities adopting sanctuary policies, with some lawmakers even suggesting a bounty system for reporting undocumented immigrants. These measures reflect a legislative environment that is not conducive to offering counties as sanctuaries for illegal immigrants.

The Proposal Details

The bill further proposes that undocumented immigrants apprehended within Missouri would be charged with “trespass by an illegal alien.” This classification would prevent them from accessing public benefits, voting, obtaining driver’s licenses, or ever becoming legal residents of Missouri.

Public and Legal Reactions

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Civil rights attorney Javad Khazaeli labeled the bill as “un-American,” raising concerns over potential discrimination and the legality of state-level immigration enforcement. He argued that such a system could lead to businesses closing down and an increase in prices due to labor shortages, emphasizing that this seems like “a solution looking for problems.”

State Rep. Tommie Pierson, a Democrat from St. Louis, echoed these sentiments, warning that this approach would likely result in racial profiling and finger-pointing, rather than constructive solutions. The fear is that such legislation could encourage citizens to indiscriminately target individuals based on appearance rather than legal status.

Background and Political Context

Gregory’s focus on border security isn’t new. During his campaign, he visited the U.S.-Mexico border, underscoring his stance against illegal immigration. His legislative proposal aligns with similar initiatives seen in other states where Republican lawmakers have introduced measures to address immigration, a topic that continues to stir heated debate across the U.S.

However, this initiative raises questions about state jurisdiction over immigration, traditionally a federal matter. Previous legal challenges, like the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling against parts of Arizona’s 2012 immigration law, suggest that Gregory’s bill might face significant legal hurdles.

Community Impact

The International Institute of St. Louis, an organization aiding migrants and refugees, has voiced opposition to the bill, highlighting the positive contributions of immigrants to the community. Advocates fear that this legislation could undo years of progress in integrating immigrants into Missouri’s society, potentially leading to a climate of fear and exclusion.

Looking Forward

As this proposal moves through the legislative process, it will undoubtedly fuel further discussion on immigration policy, state rights, and the ethical implications of incentivizing citizen surveillance. Senator-elect Gregory has yet to respond to requests for comment, but with the session’s continuation, more clarity on his motivations and the bill’s future will likely emerge.

This initiative represents a significant moment in Missouri’s political landscape, testing the boundaries of state involvement in national immigration issues and highlighting the ongoing national debate over immigration policy.

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