Show Me State is seeing a bill calling for life in prison for violent illegal immigrants convicted of trespassing.
The Missouri Bounty Operators bill, which targets violent illegal immigrants, will also create a state version of the Federal Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE), which can drive dangerous immigrants out for life.
Missouri can also raise $1,000 in bounty to report illegal immigrants arrested.
Republican Sen. David Gregory, who sponsored the bill, said during the Epoch era it was designed to lock in dangerous criminals in the state, including members of the Venezuela Tren de Aragua gang.
Non-violent illegal immigrants will not be targeted under the bill, he said.
“If they weren’t dangerous, we’d let them go,” Gregory said. “We all know that the illegal immigration crisis remains one of the biggest concerns of Americans. It is a crisis that can only be corrected with joint efforts.”
Related Stories
President Donald Trump made illegal immigration a central issue during his 2024 campaign for the second president’s term. Upon his appointment, he signed a surge in executive orders to protect US borders, particularly those who have been criminally convicted, to illegally secure borders and take away the border.
SB 72 will develop a state program with guidance from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to allow state law enforcement agencies to participate in the detection and detention of illegal immigrants.
All Missouri law enforcement agencies must provide the Department of State (DPS) with the information requested regarding illegal immigration.
Similarly, statewide officers should work with DHS in “anxiety, detention, or removal of foreigners that do not exist legally in the United States.”
Public danger refused bail
The bill is set forth in the DPS to seek a warrant for an illegal immigrant arrest and notify ICE after being detained.
If ICE does not bring illegal immigrants to federal custody within two business days, they will appear before a state judge who will determine whether they are “legally seeking asylum.”
According to the bill, charges against legal asylum seekers will be dropped and they will be released unless the defendant is asked for another crime.
If the defendant is not seeking asylum, the judge will determine whether the defendant “poses a risk to the community.”
Those pose a threat to the public will be denied bail and remain in jail, while non-violent defendants will be released on court terms.
DPS creates programs that train “certified bounty hunters” or bail bond agents, pursuing people in Missouri illegally across borders. According to the bill, bounty hunters and law enforcement officials are eligible to arrest them for suspected illegal immigration after obtaining a warrant.
Similar proposals in other states
Mississippi lawmakers have attempted to replicate the Missouri Bounty Hunter Bill in House Bill 1484. He was unable to leave the committee and died earlier this month in that state legislature.
These agreements can provide ice with the additional talent and logistical support needed to arrest and deport millions of illegal immigrants.
