Mississippi Proposes Bounty Hunter Program to Deport Undocumented Immigrants

JACKSON, Miss. — A controversial bill proposed in Mississippi would establish a bounty hunter program targeting undocumented immigrants, offering $1,000 rewards for each successful deportation. The legislation, authored by State Rep. Justin Keen of DeSoto County, aims to bolster immigration enforcement efforts at the state level.

DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced the proposed Mississippi Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program in a news release. The program, if passed, would take effect on July 1, 2025, and would be funded through the state’s general assembly. Barton and Keen argue that the initiative aligns with former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, which prioritize deporting undocumented immigrants.

“This legislation is about keeping Mississippi communities safe,” Keen said in the release. “We’ve seen firsthand the danger posed by bad actors and violent criminals who enter this country illegally.”

The bill would classify trespassing by undocumented immigrants as a felony punishable by life imprisonment without parole, unless federal authorities take custody and deport the individual within 24 hours. It would also require DNA samples from anyone arrested under the charge.

According to Barton, the program is designed to alleviate the strain on local resources caused by illegal immigration. He cited data showing that approximately 1,000 undocumented migrants were booked into the DeSoto County detention center during the Biden administration. “This program is a vital step in assisting our law enforcement agencies to better enforce immigration laws,” Barton said.

The proposal comes amid broader debates over immigration enforcement. A 2022 report from the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor estimated that 22,000 undocumented immigrants reside in the state, costing taxpayers over $100 million annually. State Auditor Shad White emphasized the financial burden, stating, “Our public schools, hospitals, and prisons will continue to lose massive sums of money that we could have spent on our own citizens if this problem is not solved.”

Critics, including the ACLU, have challenged similar immigration measures in court, arguing that they infringe on constitutional rights. The proposed Mississippi bill is expected to face legal and political hurdles before it can become law.