A new bill introduced in Missouri is sparking heated debate as it proposes a state-run hotline where individuals can report suspected undocumented immigrants—with a cash reward of $1,000 for tips leading to arrests.
Missouri State Senator David Gregory (R-St. Louis) has introduced Senate Bill 72 (SB 72), which aims to establish a state-level Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) program. The bill would give Missouri law enforcement the authority to investigate and arrest undocumented immigrants, working in coordination with federal agencies.
One of the most controversial aspects of SB 72 is its plan to create an anonymous tip line, similar to federal ICE hotlines. Under this provision, Missouri residents could report individuals they suspect of being undocumented, and if their tip results in an arrest, they could receive a $1,000 reward.
Beyond the tip line, the bill also seeks to classify undocumented immigration as “felony trespassing,” making it a state crime. It would expand the powers of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS), allowing officers to check immigration status, collaborate with ICE, and execute arrest warrants.
Missouri is home to an estimated 59,300 undocumented immigrants, according to the American Immigration Council’s latest figures from 2022. Additionally, Newsweek reports that approximately 20,000 Missourians live in mixed-status families, with many undocumented individuals having resided in the U.S. for nearly two decades.
Supporters of SB 72 argue that stricter enforcement is necessary to uphold immigration laws and protect public resources. However, critics fear the bill could encourage racial profiling, break up families, and create a climate of fear within immigrant communities.
As the debate over SB 72 unfolds, all eyes are on Missouri lawmakers to see whether the bill moves forward, or if public backlash will force it off the table.
