Missouri residents could receive a $1,000 payout if they turn in undocumented migrants to the state highway patrol under an initiative introduced Monday in the state Senate.
The so-called “bounty hunter” proposal, sponsored by Sen.-elect David Gregory, R-Sunset Hills, is among at least seven GOP-led bills introduced in the House and Senate this week focusing on what has been a key issue for President-elect Donald Trump.
While the other immigration-related measures introduced in the first days of the Legislature’s early bill filing period are similar to proposals floated in previous years, Gregory’s bounty plan would create an online portal for people to make reports about alleged undocumented individuals in their communities.
“Any person who makes a report in which an illegal alien is arrested shall receive a reward of $1,000,” a summary of the legislation notes.
In addition, Gregory’s plan calls for the Department of Public Safety to develop the “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program” which would certify applicants to be bounty hunters for the purpose of finding and detaining undocumented immigrants in the state. Any person with a license as a bail bond agent would be eligible to apply for the program.
The measure also would declare that an undocumented immigrant who knowingly entered Missouri and is physically present in the state when apprehended by a licensed bounty hunter or peace officer would be guilty of “the offense of trespass by an illegal alien.” That would bar them from receiving any public benefit, voting in any election, receiving a permit or license to drive, or ever becoming a legal resident of Missouri.
Gregory, a 39-year-old attorney, did not respond to a request for comment.
The proposal comes amid questions over whether there is a role for the state to address immigration.
In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down parts of an Arizona law that created state-level offenses for illegal immigration. And President Joe Biden’s administration is currently challenging a Texas law allowing for the arrest and attempted removal of individuals crossing the southern border illegally.
Trump has promised a major crackdown on immigration on his first day in office.
“I will rescue every city and town that has been invaded and conquered, and we will put these vicious and bloodthirsty criminals in jail, then kick them the hell out of our country as fast as possible,” Trump said at an October campaign event.
It remains unclear how the government would actually deport the nearly 11 million people who are believed to be in the United States illegally. The Pew Research Center estimates 70,000 undocumented immigrants live in Missouri, representing about 1.1% of the state population.
While immigration supporters say undocumented workers play a role in the state’s agricultural economy, Republicans have said the nation’s borders are allowing the spread of deadly drugs.
Earlier this year, Gov. Mike Parson signed off on $2.2 million to fund a deployment of Missouri National Guard soldiers and Highway Patrol troopers to bolster “Operation Lone Star,” an effort by Texas to police the U.S.-Mexico border.
Parson made the announcement during a trip to Texas, which has become a go-to destination for Republicans seeking to make immigration an issue.
Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, is among the latest state lawmakers to head south. On Monday, she introduced a measure that would allow the governor to establish an interstate compact designed to secure the nation’s southern border.
Carter’s proposal also would create a new offense of improper entry by an alien, punishable by a fine of $10,000, up to seven years in prison and removal to a federal port of entry.
In the House, Rep. Jim Murphy, a south St. Louis County Republican, also visited the border earlier this year.
He introduced legislation this week that would require businesses to ensure all of their employees are properly documented.
Sen. Rick Brattin, R-Harrisonville, introduced a package of immigration-related legislation that includes levying $25,000 per day fines against cities that adopt immigrant sanctuary policies.
The bounty legislation is Senate Bill 72.
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