Missouri lawmakers are considering a bill that would incentivize residents to report illegal immigrants by offering a $1,000 reward. State Sen.-elect David Gregory (R) introduced Senate Bill 72, which proposes creating an online portal for submitting these reports to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The bill also aims to establish the “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program.” This program would allow licensed bail bond agents to become certified bounty hunters, authorized to locate and detain illegal immigrants within the state.
Under the legislation, individuals found to be in Missouri without proper documentation could face charges of “trespass by an illegal alien.” Convictions would carry additional consequences, including being barred from public benefits, voting, obtaining driver’s licenses, or becoming legal residents of the state.
This proposal is part of a broader effort by Missouri Republicans to address illegal immigration. Other bills introduced this session would fine sanctuary cities $25,000 per day, require businesses to verify employees’ legal status, and impose criminal penalties for certain immigration violations.
Gov. Mike Parson (R) has already demonstrated his support for stricter immigration enforcement. Earlier this year, he allocated $2.2 million to deploy Missouri law enforcement and National Guard personnel to Texas to assist in “Operation Lonestar,” an initiative aimed at securing the southern border.
While supporters see the legislation as a necessary tool to combat illegal immigration, critics warn it could lead to profiling and legal challenges. The proposal reflects the growing divide between Republican-led states and the Biden-Harris administration over immigration policies.
