Residents of Missouri had get a$ 1, 000 pay if they turn in illegal immigrants to the express highway patrol as a result of a bill that was introduced Monday in the state Senate.
The so-called “bounty warrior” plan, sponsored by Sen. elect David Gregory, R-Sunset Hills, is among at least seven GOP-led costs introduced in the House and Senate this year focusing on what has been a key concern for President-elect Donald Trump.
While the other immigration-related measures introduced in the Legislature’s first act processing time are comparable to those proposed in prior years, Gregory’s reward program may establish an online portal for reporting alleged illegal individuals in their communities.
A summary of the law states that “anyone who makes a statement in which an illegal alien is arrested may get a reward of$ 1, 000.”
Gregory’s program calls for the Department of Public Safety to create the” Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program,” which would identify candidates as bounty hunters to the state’s efforts to locate and detain illegal refugees. Anyone who holds a bail bond agent license would be able to qualify for the software.
Additionally, the legislation would establish that an illegal immigrant who knowingly entered Missouri and is physically present there when apprehended by a licensed wealth warrior or peace officer had been guilty of” the offense of theft by an improper 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 concerns over whether the state has a role to play in addressing immigration.
In 2012, the U. S. Supreme Court struck down parts of an Arizona law that created state-level offenses for illegal immigration. Additionally, President Joe Biden’s administration is currently challenging a Texas law that permits the arrest and attempted removal of people who cross the southern border illegally.
On his first day in office, Trump has promised a significant crackdown on immigration.
At an October campaign event, Trump said,” 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 quickly as possible.”
It is still unclear how the government would actually deport the nearly 11 million people who are allegedly living 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.
Republicans have claimed that the nation’s borders are allowing the spread of deadly drugs despite immigration supporters saying undocumented workers play a role in the state’s agricultural economy.
Earlier this year, Gov. Mike Parson approved a$ 2.2 million donation to support the Missouri National Guard’s and Highway Patrol’s deployment to support Texas ‘” Operation Lone Star,” a border security operation.
Parson made the announcement while traveling to Texas, which has become a favorite destination for Republicans who want to raise immigration issues.
Sen. Jill Carter, R-Granby, is among the latest state lawmakers to head south. She introduced a measure on Monday that would allow the governor to establish an interstate compact to secure the country’s southern border.
Additionally, Carter’s proposal would establish a new offense of improper entry by an alien, which could result in a fine of$ 10, 000, seven-year prison sentence, 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 make sure all of their employees have accurate documentation.
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.
Senate Bill 72 contains the bounty legislation.
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