A Missouri lawmaker has introduced a controversial bill that would create a bounty hunter program to turn in undocumented immigrants.
Senate Bill 72, sponsored by Representative David Gregory, aims to encourage Missourians to identify and detain individuals believed to be in the state illegally.
The bill proposes a $1,000 reward for each undocumented immigrant apprehended.
It also outlines measures to restrict the rights of undocumented immigrants, such as the “prohibition from voting in elections, receiving a permit or driver’s license, receiving any public benefits, and becoming a legal resident of this state.” ‘
The bill proposes that the Ministry of Public Security create a system for citizens to report suspected violations of immigration law, all at taxpayer expense.
Legal experts have expressed serious concerns about the bill, arguing that it could lead to racial profiling and discrimination.
Javad Khazalei, an immigration and civil rights attorney, said the proposal is an “incredibly dangerous” situation and draws parallels to historical examples of persecution.
A Missouri lawmaker has proposed Senate Bill 72 to create a bounty hunter program for undocumented immigrants
The bill, sponsored by Rep. David Gregory, offers a $1,000 reward for arrests and aims to restrict undocumented individuals from voting, driving, receiving public benefits or obtaining state residency.
“This is a classic situation where you ask for papers: you have to have your papers everywhere. This is Nazi Germany stuff,” Khazalei told the local chapter of Gray News WSAZ.
Representative Gregory has not yet publicly commented on the bill or its potential implications.
However, hundreds of users on Reddit are divided on the issue, with some worrying that rounding up private individuals could lead to other egregious government overreaches.
“Ten years ago I would have said this was impossible,” said one user.
“People who are US citizens will be targeted,” said another.
“Like this can’t be abused,” one user said sarcastically.
“Literally fascist by any definition,” said a third.
Other users were in favor of the measure, with one writing: “Why are they waiting until August to pass the bill?”
“That’s pretty awesome,” wrote another.
A third added: ‘This bill allows a qualified civilian force to enforce immigration law. Why do you think that’s strange?’
President-elect Donald Trump has already outlined plans to deport migrants and undocumented immigrants to alternative locations if their home countries refuse to accept them.
The new administration is considering destinations such as Turks and Caicos, Panama, Grenada and the Bahamas, according to three sources familiar with the discussions.
NBC News reported that Trump’s transition team has already contacted these countries to explore agreements to accept U.S. deportation flights.
However, it remains unclear how these countries have responded and whether they are open to negotiating such deals.
During his 2024 campaign, Trump pledged to undertake the largest deportation operation in U.S. history as part of his broader efforts to address the southern border crisis.
He argued that issues such as fentanyl trafficking, human trafficking and the strain on public resources have been exacerbated by the record number of undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
President-elect Donald Trump reportedly outlines plans to deport migrants and undocumented immigrants to alternate locations if their home countries refuse to accept them
In November, Trump announced a major breakthrough in border negotiations, stating that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to halt illegal migration to the United States “immediately.”
In 2022, the undocumented population in the US was estimated at approximately 11 million. However, critics of President Joe Biden’s immigration policies suggest the real figure could be significantly higher, with some estimates as high as 20 million.
Last month, Trump announced a major breakthrough in border negotiations, saying Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to halt illegal migration to the United States “immediately.”
Trump described their conversation as productive, highlighting discussions about stopping the flow of drugs and tackling America’s drug consumption.
Sheinbaum reaffirmed her commitment to addressing migration, including managing migrant caravans in Mexico.