Missouri senator-elect Andrew Gregory vows to combat illegal immigration
- David Gregory, a Republican state senator, introduced a bill offering $1,000 for reporting illegal migrants.
- The proposed law would create a bounty hunter program for licensed citizens and make illegal presence a felony.
- This legislation aims to strengthen Missouri's stance against illegal immigration while promoting citizen involvement.
In Missouri, a new legislative proposal aimed at addressing illegal immigration was recently introduced by David Gregory, an incoming Republican state senator. His legislation, known as SB 72, proposes a financial incentive of $1,000 for individuals who report illegal migrants to authorities. This initiative is part of Gregory's campaign promise to make Missouri a leading state in combating illegal immigration. The bill includes the establishment of an information system managed by the state's Department of Public Safety, which would facilitate reporting violations through various channels, including a hotline, email, and an online portal. Additionally, the proposed legislation seeks to establish the 'Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program.' This program would legally permit certain local citizens, specifically licensed bail bond agents and surety recovery agents, to act as bounty hunters for the purpose of locating and detaining illegal immigrants in the area. Importantly, the bill also introduces a new felony charge for illegal migrants found in the state, tightening the legal repercussions for undocumented individuals. David Gregory emphasized the need for proactive measures to catch illegal immigrants before they potentially commit violent crimes. Through his social media statements, Gregory has made it clear that he is committed to ensuring public safety by targeting illegal immigration. The proposed measures show a significant shift in Missouri's approach to immigration enforcement, reflecting a growing trend among several states to adopt stricter laws in response to concerns over illegal migration. The implications of this bill could be far-reaching, sparking debates over ethics, public safety, and the effectiveness of such bounty programs in actual enforcement. Critics argue that such measures may lead to racial profiling and unjust targeting of vulnerable populations. However, supporters assert that empowering citizens to report illegal activity could enhance community safety and deter unlawful immigration in the state.