Missouri state Senator-elect David Gregory is making waves with his bold new proposal, Senate Bill No. 72, which seeks to crack down on illegal immigration in an unprecedented way. The bill introduces a $1,000 reward program for residents who report undocumented immigrants and includes provisions for certifying “bounty hunters” to locate and detain these individuals under citizen’s arrest guidelines.
The proposed legislation sets up a multi-faceted reporting system featuring a hotline, email, and an online portal where residents can submit tips. If a report leads to an arrest and imprisonment, the tipster will receive $1,000. Gregory’s bill also proposes that funds currently designated for assistance to Ukraine be redirected to support this program.
In addition to the reward system, the bill outlines severe penalties for undocumented individuals found in Missouri. A new felony offense, “trespass by an illegal alien,” would carry a punishment of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The bill states, “The offense of trespass by an illegal alien under this section is a felony for which the authorized term of imprisonment is life imprisonment without eligibility for probation, parole, conditional release, or release except by act of the governor or the natural death of such person.”
One of the most controversial elements of the proposal is the creation of the “Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program.” This initiative would allow licensed bail bond agents and surety recovery agents to apply for certification to track down and detain undocumented migrants. The program also mandates DNA collection from arrested individuals and imposes permanent disqualifications from voting, accessing state benefits, or obtaining legal residency in Missouri.
Gregory defended the bill on social media, proclaiming, “We’re about to be a national leader in combating illegal immigration. Talk about making national headlines. Senate Bill 72 will finally empower our police and our communities to protect themselves.”
The proposal aligns with the broader Republican push for stricter immigration policies, championed by President Trump and other conservative leaders who have raised concerns about border security and the influx of undocumented immigrants.
Critics are expected to challenge the bill’s constitutionality and its scope, arguing that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. The idea of life imprisonment for undocumented migrants and the deputizing of bounty hunters is likely to spark heated debate in the Missouri General Assembly.
Senate Bill No. 72 now awaits committee review, where lawmakers will weigh its ambitious goals against potential legal challenges and ethical concerns. Regardless of its fate, the proposal underscores the growing momentum for tough immigration enforcement policies in Republican-led states.
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