A new bill introduced in the Missouri Senate has sparked national debate by proposing a bounty system that would financially reward individuals for reporting undocumented immigrants to law enforcement. The bill, Senate Bill 72 (SB 72), would make “trespass by an illegal alien” a felony and authorize private citizens, including licensed bounty hunters, to aid in the apprehension of individuals who are in the country without legal status.
Under the proposed legislation, individuals who provide information leading to the arrest of an undocumented immigrant could receive a $1,000 reward. Additionally, the bill seeks to establish the “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program,” which would permit licensed bail bond agents to engage in this type of enforcement activity.
State Senator-elect David Gregory, the sponsor of SB 72, has defended the bill as a necessary measure to address illegal immigration at the state level, citing concerns about public safety and economic strain. “The federal government has failed to secure our borders, so it is time for states to take action,” Gregory said in a statement.
Potential Effects on Kansas
If passed, the Missouri bill could have significant consequences for neighboring Kansas, particularly in cities like Kansas City, which straddles the state line, as well as other border communities. Critics warn that undocumented immigrants in Missouri may seek refuge in Kansas to avoid the risk of being targeted, which could shift enforcement and legal battles westward.
“The fear this bill creates will have a spillover effect,” said Sarah Lopez, a spokesperson for the Missouri Immigrant Rights Coalition. “We expect many families to flee Missouri if this passes, and many of them will end up in Kansas, where local policies on immigration enforcement are less aggressive.”
Kansas currently does not have a statewide equivalent to SB 72, and local enforcement of immigration laws varies widely by county and city. Some communities, such as Lawrence and parts of Kansas City, have implemented policies that limit local law enforcement’s role in immigration enforcement. However, more conservative parts of the state may push for similar legislation if Missouri’s bill is successful.
Legal experts have also raised concerns about the potential for cross-state enforcement conflicts. If an undocumented individual is reported and apprehended in Missouri but resides in Kansas, it could create legal and jurisdictional challenges. Additionally, businesses operating across both states, particularly in the construction, agriculture, and service industries, may face labor shortages or complications if undocumented workers choose to relocate.
Constitutional and Economic Concerns
Opponents of SB 72 argue that the bill could lead to racial profiling, false accusations, and a climate of fear within immigrant communities. “This is an incredibly dangerous precedent,” said Lopez. “It deputizes ordinary citizens and creates financial incentives for targeting people based on their perceived immigration status. That’s not how justice should work.”
Missouri Governor Mike Parson has not yet commented on whether he would support or veto the legislation if it reaches his desk. As the bill moves through the legislative process, advocacy groups on both sides are mobilizing, with immigrant rights organizations planning legal challenges should SB 72 become law.
For now, the proposal remains a lightning rod in Missouri politics, but its potential impact extends beyond state lines, adding another layer to the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in the Midwest.
