Missouri Considers Bill Offering Bounties For Reporting Illegal Immigrants

Missouri lawmakers may soon consider legislation that would pay state residents $1,000 for reporting illegal immigrants. State Sen.-elect David Gregory (R) has introduced Senate Bill 72, which proposes an online reporting system allowing individuals to notify the Missouri State Highway Patrol about illegal immigrants and claim a bounty for doing so.

The bill also aims to establish the “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program,” which would allow licensed bail bond agents to become certified bounty hunters. These individuals would be tasked with locating and detaining illegal immigrants across the state.

Under the proposal, illegal immigrants found without proper documentation could face charges of “trespass by an illegal alien.” This charge would bar them from receiving public benefits, obtaining a driver’s license, voting, or ever becoming a legal resident of Missouri.

Gregory’s bill is one of seven immigration-related proposals filed by Missouri Republicans this session. Other measures include requiring businesses to verify employees’ immigration status, imposing $25,000 daily fines on cities with sanctuary policies, and creating new immigration-related offenses with penalties such as jail time and removal.

Missouri’s Republican leadership has taken a firm stance on immigration enforcement. Earlier this year, Gov. Mike Parson (R) authorized $2.2 million to send state law enforcement and National Guard troops to Texas as part of “Operation Lonestar,” an effort to assist in securing the southern border.

Supporters of the legislation argue it provides much-needed tools to address illegal immigration. Critics, however, warn the measures could lead to racial profiling and overreach, potentially targeting legal residents and citizens. The debate underscores the ongoing tension between Republican-led states and the Biden-Harris administration’s approach to immigration enforcement.

If passed, this legislation could make Missouri one of the most aggressive states in addressing illegal immigration, signaling a broader effort by Republican-led states to assert control over immigration policy.