A new bill introduced in Missouri is sparking heated debates. The bill, presented by State Senator David Gregory, offers a $1,000 bounty for people who provide tips that lead to the arrest of undocumented immigrants. The bill suggests using bounty hunters—similar to those hired by bail bond companies—to track down these individuals. If the tip leads to an arrest, the person who reported it could receive money.
The bill, which Gregory describes as a state-level version of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) program, proposes that individuals found to be in Missouri without proper documents could face severe consequences. They would be charged with “trespass by an illegal alien” and, if federal authorities refuse to take custody, they could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The bill’s proposal has drawn strong criticism from various groups, with many arguing that it will encourage racial profiling and create fear among communities. Critics claim that people may be reported based on their skin color or if they speak with an accent, which would lead to wrongful targeting. State Senator Barbara Washington, a Democrat from Kansas City, spoke out against the bill, stating that it would turn neighbors against each other.
In addition to Gregory’s bill, another proposal from State Senator Jill Carter also addresses immigration in Missouri. Her bill would create new crimes for undocumented immigrants, including charging them with “improper entry” for being in the country without proper documentation. This could lead to fines of up to $10,000 or even deportation. If an undocumented person commits any other crime, they could be charged with “aggravated illegal presence,” which would be a felony with stricter penalties.
The bills have raised concerns about the rights of immigrants in Missouri. Many immigrants, both documented and undocumented, have voiced fears that these laws would lead to more suffering and punishment for simply existing in the state. One immigrant, Aura Velasquez, who has been a U.S. citizen for five years, said, “It is inhumane to say people should be hunted like a sport.” Another speaker, Gabriella Cepeda from the Hispanic Law Students Association at St. Louis University, added that these laws would make immigrant communities feel unsafe and fearful of even going to work or school.
The bills also clash with the state’s economic reality. According to a report by a Missouri House interim committee, undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to the state’s economy. In 2022, they paid around $113 million in state taxes, but they cannot access public benefits like Medicaid. The economic activity generated by undocumented immigrants supports more than 160,000 jobs in Missouri and brings in about $19 billion. State Senator Barbara Washington raised concerns about whether the state should risk losing these contributions by making it harder for undocumented immigrants to stay in Missouri.
While most people in the committee hearing opposed the bills, a few supporters, including law enforcement officers and a conservative Jewish group, argued that the state needs to take action to stop human trafficking and drug smuggling, which they say are linked to weak border security. Lewis County Sheriff David Parish, who supported the bill, argued that it would give local law enforcement another tool to work with federal authorities.
The bill will likely continue to be debated in Missouri’s legislature in the coming months, and it’s clear that the discussion over immigration policy is far from over.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
