Mississippi bill would pay bounty hunters to catch undocumented immigrants

Ashleigh Fields
·1-min read

A Mississippi district attorney proposed new legislation Wednesday to pay bounty hunters a reward for helping to deport immigrants in the country illegally.

DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced his support for House Bill 1484, authored by state Rep. Justin Keen (R), which would create the Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program.

“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 said in a statement.

“President Trump’s administration has made it clear that deporting illegal immigrants is a priority, and we are proud to do our part here in Mississippi to help support his agenda and protect our citizens.”

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Keen and Barton suggested offering a $1,000 reward to registered bounty hunters for each successful deportation they help facilitate, which would be funded by the general assembly and administered by the state treasurer, according to a press release from his office.

“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. This legislation builds upon that foundation, empowering local leaders and communities to support federal efforts in protecting our citizens,” Barton shared in a statement.

“Legal immigration is a cornerstone of America, and we must ensure that our borders are secure and that the safety of Mississippians comes first.”

Trump has already cracked down on immigration since taking office, signing a flurry of executive orders in recent days including deeming migration an “invasion” and reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy.

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