The Missouri Senate heard hours of testimony in committee on Monday regarding new legislation on illegal immigration. The bill, sponsored by Sen. David Gregory, R-Chesterfield, increases consequences for individuals that are illegally in the state, creates a $1,000 reward for citizens to report an illegal that is then apprehended, and creates a certified bounty hunter program.
SB 72 - This act creates the offense of trespass by an illegal alien which provides that a person shall be guilty of such offense if the person is an illegal alien who knowingly enters this state and remains here and is physically present in the state at the time a licensed bounty hunter or peace officer apprehends the person. Such an offense shall be a felony for a term of imprisonment without eligibility for probation or parole with certain exceptions as provided in the act.
Any person who commits the offense of trespass by an illegal alien shall be prohibited from voting in any election, receiving any permit or license to drive, receiving any public benefit, and becoming a legal resident of this state.
Additionally, the Department of Public Safety shall develop an information system for people to report violations of this act which shall include a toll-free telephone hotline, e-mail, and online reporting portal. Any person who makes a report in which an illegal alien is arrested shall receive a reward of $1,000.
The Department of Public Safety shall develop the "Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program" which shall certify applicants to be bounty hunters for the purpose of finding and detaining illegal aliens in this state. Any person with a license as a bail bond agent, general bail bond agent, or surety recovery agent may apply to the program as provided in the act.
Finally, this act creates the "Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program Fund" which shall consist of money appropriated by the General Assembly.
The bill sponsored by Senator Gregory was not the only one discussed on Monday. Senator Jill Carter, R-Granby, sponsored a bill called the “Interstate Compact for Border Security Act.” This would create new crime distinctions based on the legal status of the individual. “Offense of Improper Entry” and “Offense of Aggravated Illegal Presence” would carry a fine of up to $10,000 and deportation and creates felony distinctions for crimes committed while illegally present, respectively.
Senator Barbara Washington, D-Kansas City, grilled the Republican sponsors of these bills with rhetoric that has become standard for Democrats defending illegals. She asserted that the taxes paid by illegals should be considered when passing legislation that would effectively cut off that revenue from the state government. She also made the typical accusation that this bill would encourage racial discrimination between citizens and any individual of Hispanic heritage or with a lack of English proficiency.
Beyond the discussion between senators, many came to the hearing room in Jefferson City to testify on behalf of illegal immigrants. Push back on labeling illegals as “criminals” was repeatedly voiced and complaints that the legal process for immigration is broken were consistent. Reportedly, one witness called a senator a “fascist” during testimony. Conversely, law enforcement representatives expressed support for the bill, citing human and drug trafficking concerns related to illegal immigration. These bills are not the first proposed in the state, though there is apparently momentum behind them, given the new administration in Washington’s stance on the subject and increased ICE activity nationwide.
