Mississippi is considering legislation that would establish a program to pay registered bounty hunters for assisting in the deportation of illegal immigrants.
House Bill 1484, proposed by Republican state Representative Justin Keen, would create the Mississippi Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program, which offers a $1,000 reward for each deportation facilitated by certified bounty hunters.
BREAKING: Missouri Republican lawmaker David Gregory filed a new bill which would establish a bounty hunter program to pay $1,000 to individuals who turn in illegals. pic.twitter.com/u1hJsMXOBS
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“This legislation is about keeping Mississippi communities safe,” Keen stated.
“We’ve seen firsthand the danger posed by bad actors and violent criminals who enter this country illegally, like the innocent life of Laken Riley.”
Keen emphasized that the bill aligns with President Donald Trump’s administration’s priority of addressing illegal immigration.
“We are proud to do our part here in Mississippi to help support his agenda and protect our citizens.”
Funding for the program would come from the Mississippi General Assembly and would be administered by the state treasurer’s office.
According to Keen, the initiative is designed to encourage collaboration between law enforcement and private citizens in identifying illegal aliens.
A press release accompanying the bill noted that the program aims to reduce the financial burden on Mississippi taxpayers, who currently bear the costs associated with illegal immigration.
The proposal comes as the Trump administration continues to roll out stricter immigration policies.
BREAKING: New proposed bill in Mississippi would pay $1,000 to bounty hunters for each successful deportation of an illegal that they help facilitate pic.twitter.com/Q312LDoR5W
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Federal immigration authorities have conducted hundreds of arrests of illegal immigrants with criminal histories in recent weeks, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to border security and deportation efforts.
“When President Trump took office this week, he immediately recognized the emergency at our borders, rolling out executive orders to combat illegal immigration and cartels,” said Matthew Barton, the district attorney for DeSoto County.
Barton supports the legislation, stating that it builds on the Trump administration’s groundwork to secure the nation’s borders and protect American communities.
“This legislation builds upon that foundation, empowering local leaders and communities to support federal efforts in protecting our citizens,” Barton said.
He added, “Legal immigration is a cornerstone of America, and we must ensure that our borders are secure and that the safety of Mississippians comes first.”
The proposed bill reflects a broader effort to align state and local initiatives with federal immigration priorities under the Trump administration.
By incorporating private citizens into the process, lawmakers hope to expand enforcement capabilities while addressing public concerns about the impact of illegal immigration on safety and resources.
Supporters of the bill believe it will deter illegal immigration and provide local communities with additional tools to address its effects.
However, the program’s reliance on bounty hunters introduces a novel approach to state-level immigration enforcement, drawing national attention to Mississippi’s efforts.
House Bill 1484 has sparked debate over the role of state governments in immigration enforcement and the potential implications of involving private citizens in such efforts.
If passed, the bill would make Mississippi one of the first states to adopt a certified bounty hunter program aimed at assisting federal immigration authorities.
The proposal is currently under review and is expected to be debated in the Mississippi Legislature in the coming weeks.
As immigration policy continues to be a focal point of the Trump administration, Mississippi’s legislation represents one of the latest efforts to strengthen border security and support federal deportation initiatives.
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