A new Mississippi bill has sparked national debate after being filed on January 22. Mississippi House Bill 1484, introduced by Rep. Justin Keen, R-Byhalia, proposes a program offering $1,000 rewards for information leading to the arrest and deportation of individuals living in the state without authorization.
The legislation also calls for the Mississippi Department of Public Safety to establish a certification program for "bounty hunters," who would be trained to locate and detain undocumented migrants. Those who participate and successfully facilitate a deportation could receive financial compensation.
“This program is a vital step in assisting our law enforcement agencies to better enforce immigration laws and ensure that those in this country unlawfully are sent back to their country of origin,” said DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton in a January 22 press release.
Barton, who backs the bill, praised former President Donald Trump's immigration policies and emphasized the importance of legal immigration.
“Legal immigration is a cornerstone of America, and we must ensure that our borders are secure and that the safety of Mississippians comes first,” Barton added.
Under the proposed law, a hotline would be established for people to anonymously report tips about undocumented individuals. Those who are registered in the bounty hunter program would be eligible for rewards upon the successful deportation of undocumented migrants.
Supporters of the bill argue it is a necessary tool to support federal immigration enforcement efforts, while critics worry it could create fear and infringe upon personal freedoms.
USM student Maggie Hallock expressed concern about the potential impacts of the bill.
“As a current Mississippi resident, this law being passed makes me really scared for the future,” Hallock said. “I think this is an invasion of privacy. I feel like this is a massive step back.”
Hallock also argued that the bill could impact normal freedoms citizens enjoy.
“This bill being passed is the beginning of the end to our freedom,” Hallock said. “I see families being ripped apart. I no longer feel like this is the land of the free.”
Major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Dallas, and Chicago, have ramped up Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in anticipation of an increase in arrests and deportations. While it remains unclear how many individuals have already been deported as a result of the legislation, the numbers are expected to rise.
Supporters of the bill believe it will help deter illegal immigration, but critics argue that it could lead to significant consequences for both residents and immigrants across the nation.
As of now, the future of the bill is uncertain, but its potential effects continue to provoke discussion and concern.
