Bill Making Illegal Immigration a State Crime Heads to Mississippi Governor Reeves, Who is Preparing to Sign [WATCH]

Mississippi is poised to enact new immigration enforcement measures as Gov. Tate Reeves prepares to sign Senate Bill 2114, legislation that would make illegal immigration a state-level criminal offense, as reported by The Gateway Pundit.

The bill, known as SB 2114, has passed both chambers of the Mississippi Legislature and is now awaiting the governor’s signature.

If signed into law, Mississippi would join other states that have pursued their own enforcement actions related to immigration.

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According to details provided, the legislation establishes criminal penalties for individuals who enter or attempt to enter the state directly from a foreign country at locations other than lawful ports of entry.

Under the bill, such an offense would be classified as a misdemeanor, carrying a minimum sentence of six months in prison.

The penalties could escalate to felony charges, with potential sentences of two years or more when combined with additional offenses.

The legislation also includes provisions requiring cooperation between state and local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

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Specifically, it mandates participation in agreements under the 287(g) program, which allows local officers to assist federal agents with immigration enforcement.

In addition, courts would be authorized to order deportation and coordinate repatriation following a conviction under the statute.

Governor Reeves has previously supported stricter immigration enforcement measures, including policies aimed at strengthening voter citizenship verification and proposals related to deportation enforcement.

The bill has drawn opposition from civil liberties groups, including the ACLU of Mississippi, which issued a statement outlining concerns about the potential impact of the law.

“The effects of a potential law like SB 2114 would be devastating, not only for undocumented immigrants but for all Mississippians. The new felony statute is vague and gives no mention of what a police officer should look for to question someone on how they entered Mississippi, and no probable cause standard for an arrest. This will undoubtedly result in racial profiling and the detention of citizens and people with legal status. SB 2114 could even put Mississippians at risk of being required to ‘show their papers’ during routine interactions with law enforcement,” the group said.

The organization also raised concerns about resource allocation and legal exposure for the state.

“Forcing local law enforcement to work for ICE would be a drain on local resources, resources that are already scarce. In addition, Mississippi taxpayers will be forced to foot the bill when the enforcement of this law leads to constitutional rights violations, including lawsuits for the wrongful detainment of US citizens,” the statement continued.

The ACLU further argued that the measure could impact public safety, stating, “SB 2114 would result in an erosion of public safety. Numerous studies have shown people are less likely to come forward to seek police protection when they know calling 911 could result in their family member or friend being deported. At a time when trust in law enforcement is at an all-time low, this makes communities less safe.”

Supporters of the legislation have said the measure is intended to address illegal immigration at the state level and ensure coordination with federal authorities.

Mississippi just passed a bill that makes illegal immigration a state crime

SB 2114 criminalizes illegal entry into Mississippi under state law with a minimum of six months to two years in prison

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety will work on identifying undocumented… pic.twitter.com/ksIhgItKrw

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If signed, the law would take effect under Mississippi statute, adding new criminal penalties tied to immigration enforcement and expanding the role of local law enforcement agencies in cooperation with federal programs.

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