Missouri Proposal Offers $1,000 Bounty for Reporting Undocumented Immigrants

Legislation introduced by Republican state senators would impose severe penalties on undocumented individuals and create state-level immigration enforcement programs.

• A bill proposed by Missouri state Sen. David Gregory would pay $1,000 for tips leading to the arrest of undocumented immigrants, with those arrested facing potential life imprisonment if federal authorities decline custody.
• The legislation aims to establish a state-level immigration enforcement system, likened to a localized ICE program, and would authorize bounty hunters to pursue tips.
• Critics, including immigration advocates and Democratic lawmakers, argue the bills promote racial profiling, foster fear, and impose excessive punishments on undocumented individuals.
• A second bill from state Sen. Jill Carter proposes additional criminal penalties for undocumented immigrants, including fines up to $10,000 and felony charges for violating other laws.
• Supporters of the measures cite concerns over human trafficking and drug-related crime, while opponents highlight the economic contributions of undocumented immigrants, who generate $19 billion in economic activity for Missouri annually.

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