The controversial law that seeks to reward those who denounce the presence of immigrants in the United States
The proposal has sparked intense debate in Missouri by proposing rewards for denouncing undocumented immigrants and toughening sanctions against them.
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A controversial bill in Missouri could radically change the migration dynamics in the state. The initiative, known as Senate Bill 72 (SB 72), proposes to award rewards of 1,000 dollars to those who report the presence of undocumented immigrants if their information leads to an arrest.
The plan also seeks to categorize the presence of undocumented individuals in the state as a felony, which could result in severe penalties. While its proponents claim it will strengthen security and cooperation with federal authorities, critics warn it could promote discrimination and surveillance among citizens.
Civil rights organizations have expressed concern about the potential for abuses and errors in detentions. Additionally, legal experts anticipate that the proposal could face legal challenges in court due to possible conflicts with federal legislation.
Despite support from Republican sectors, the viability of the bill remains uncertain. Key figures within the Republican Party have expressed skepticism about some of its more radical provisions.
A system of reports and bounty hunters
The SB 72 contemplates the establishment of a telephone line and a website portal where residents can anonymously report the presence of undocumented immigrants. If the information results in an arrest, the informant will receive an economic compensation.
Another of the most controversial provisions of the project is the creation of the "Missouri Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program", which would allow bail agents to act as bounty hunters to locate and apprehend immigrants in irregular situations.
The measure would also grant greater authority to state law enforcement to collaborate directly with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in detention operations.
Criticism and legal risks
The bill has been sharply criticized by lawyers, Democratic lawmakers, and pro-immigrant activists, who warn of the risk of abuses. Yazmin Bruno-Valdez, a beneficiary of the DACA program and resident of Missouri, denounced that the initiative could divide communities and foster mistrust:"Turning neighbors against neighbors is dangerous and harmful to our families and schools," she stated during a legislative hearing.
Immigration lawyer Javad Khazaeli also questioned the legal feasibility of SB 72, stating that it could lead to wrongful detentions and violations of civil rights: "Historically, when rewards are offered for reports, mistakes are made. We have already seen cases of citizens unfairly detained based on their appearance or accent," he told CNN.
Additionally, some experts warn that the measure could deter victims of crimes from reporting crimes out of fear of being investigated for their immigration status, undermining public safety in the state.
Severe penalties for undocumented immigrants
The SB 72 contemplates drastic penalties for undocumented immigrants who remain in Missouri, including the possibility of life imprisonment without parole. However, Senator David Gregory has hinted at potentially modifying this point in response to criticisms.
Likewise, the bill seeks to restrict certain rights of immigrants in irregular situations, prohibiting them from obtaining driver's licenses, accessing state benefits, and participating in electoral processes. According to its detractors, these provisions represent a strategy to exclude vulnerable populations from public life.
An uncertain future for SB 72
Politically, the proposal faces an uncertain path. Although it has support within the Republican Party, the President of the Missouri House of Representatives, Jon Patterson, has expressed skepticism about the viability of the bounty hunter program: "I have not seen enthusiasm among my Republican colleagues for this initiative," he stated in a press release.
As the debate progresses, Missouri is home to around 70,000 undocumented immigrants, according to the American Immigration Council. For many of them, the discussion about SB 72 has already generated fear and uncertainty.
If approved in the Senate, the bill will need to move to the House of Representatives.
*This article has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence
