A Missouri lawmaker has introduced a controversial bill that would establish a bounty hunter program to turn in undocumented immigrants.
Representative David Gregory is the sponsor of Senate Bill 72, which aims to encourage people in Missouri to report and apprehend individuals suspected of being in the state unlawfully.
The bill proposes a $1,000 reward for each undocumented immigrant apprehended.
The legislation also includes provisions that limit the privileges of undocumented individuals, including their right to vote in elections, obtain a driver’s license, access public assistance, and attain legal residency in Missouri.
Additionally, the bill suggests the creation of a reporting system by the Department of Public Safety for residents to disclose potential violations of immigration laws, with the costs being covered by taxpayer money.
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 ‘incredibly dangerous,’ situation, drawing parallels to historical instances of persecution.
“This is a classic demanding papers situation – you must have your papers everywhere. This is Nazi Germany stuff,” Khazalei told local Gray News affiliate WSAZ.
Representative Gregory has not yet publicly commented on the bill or its potential implications.
However, hundreds of users on Reddit are divided over the issue, with some worrying that rounding up private individuals could lead to other glaring overreaches by the government.
’10 years ago I would have said this was impossible to pass,’ said one user.
‘People that are US Citizens are going to get targeted,’ said another.
‘Like this can’t be abused,’ a user said sarcastically.
‘Literally fascist by any definition,’ chimed a third.
Other users were for the measure, with one writing: ‘Why are they waiting until August to enact the bill?’
‘That’s pretty awesome,’ wrote another.
A third added: ‘This bill allows a qualified citizen force to uphold immigration law. Why does that seem crazy to you?’
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.
According to three sources familiar with the discussions, the incoming administration is considering destinations like Turks and Caicos, Panama, Grenada, and the Bahamas.
NBC News reported that Trump’s transition team has already reached out to these countries to explore agreements for accepting U.S. deportation flights.
However, it remains unclear how these nations have responded or 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 like fentanyl trafficking, human smuggling and strains on public resources have been exacerbated by the record number of undocumented immigrants living in the United States.
In 2022, the undocumented population in the U.S. was estimated at approximately 11 million. However, critics of President Joe Biden’s immigration policies suggest the actual figure could be significantly higher, with some estimates reaching as high as 20 million.
Last month, Trump announced a significant breakthrough in border negotiations, stating that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to halt illegal migration into the United States “effective immediately.”
Trump described their conversation as productive, highlighting discussions on stopping drug inflows and addressing U.S. drug consumption.
Sheinbaum confirmed her commitment to addressing migration, including managing migrant caravans within Mexico.
