A new bill introduced in Mississippi aims to create a controversial Bounty Hunter Program to assist in tracking down and detaining undocumented immigrants. House Bill 1484, introduced by DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton and State Representative Justin Keen, would empower licensed bounty hunters to identify and apprehend individuals suspected of being in the U.S. illegally, while offering monetary incentives for successful deportations.
The legislation, which mirrors earlier times when bounty hunters were used to track enslaved African Americans and later criminals, has sparked concern for its potential implications. Under the bill, bounty hunters would be allowed to act on behalf of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to expedite the removal of undocumented immigrants from Mississippi. For each successful deportation, bounty hunters would receive a $1,000 reward.
The bill also establishes a tip line managed by 65 state officers, offering $1,000 rewards to Mississippians who report neighbors suspected of being undocumented. This component, critics argue, could lead to increased surveillance and harassment of immigrant communities.
“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 District Attorney Barton. “This legislation builds upon President Trump’s immigration policies and empowers local communities to support federal efforts in securing our borders.”
Supporters of the bill point to rising numbers of undocumented immigrants in Mississippi, particularly in DeSoto County, where more than 1,000 illegal aliens were booked during President Biden’s time in office—an increase of nearly 150% compared to the Trump administration. They argue that this program would reduce the financial strain on local resources and support federal enforcement efforts.
However, critics view the bill as a dangerous overreach, drawing comparisons to the dark chapters of history when bounty hunters were used to enforce discriminatory laws. The bill’s broad powers, have raised alarm, especially as it could impact individuals who may be waiting for visa renewals or other immigration proceedings.
The bill also places the fate of undocumented individuals in the hands of law enforcement with little oversight, raising concerns about due process and the treatment of immigrant communities in the state. While proponents argue it aligns with federal immigration priorities, critics worry about the potential for abuse and the harmful effects on already vulnerable populations.
Also, concerns are mounting about the potential for racial profiling, mistaken identity, and the overall impact on both documented and undocumented residents. The lack of clear data, oversight, and supervision, coupled with language barriers, raises the possibility that individuals may join the program motivated by financial incentives rather than a genuine concern for public safety, potentially leading to biased actions.
According to the Magnolia Tribune, the American Immigration Council (AIC) reports that there are approximately 64,600 immigrants in Mississippi, making up 2.2% of the state’s total population. Of these, 37,400 are immigrant workers. A significant portion of Mississippi’s immigrant population hails from Mexico (25%) and India (7%), and many work in construction (6.9%) and hospitality (5.1%).
The AIC further estimates that 32% of the immigrant population in Mississippi—about 20,000 individuals—are undocumented, which represents 0.7% of the state’s total population. Despite their minority status, these immigrants contribute significantly to the state’s economy, with immigrant workers generating an estimated $1.3 billion in spending power and contributing nearly $400 million in federal, state, and local taxes.
However, not all perspectives align on the economic impact of immigrants. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) counters that illegal immigration is a financial drain on Mississippi taxpayers, citing a 2024 report by the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor, which estimated that illegal immigration costs the state over $100 million annually.
According to News 3 Channel, Larissa Davis, an immigration attorney at Chhabra, Gibbs & Trehan, PLLC in Jackson, has come across the details of House Bill 1484. While she may not be fully aware of all its contents, she expresses concern that the bill poses significant risks and could potentially result in racial profiling within the state.
“I think it’s horrible that they are asking offering a bounty because one of the main issues with something like this is people are going to be targeted based on appearance and what other people believe, and what they don’t understand is a person could actually be here with a pending asylum case or some other petitions or application that is still pending either before an immigration court or USCIS, The U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services,” said Davis.
With the new bounty hunter program, critics worry that without proper safeguards, the financial incentives for tracking down undocumented immigrants could lead to overzealous actions that harm vulnerable populations. The risk of racial profiling, especially in areas with significant immigrant communities, is a key concern for advocacy groups, who fear that the program could disproportionately affect people based on appearance or ethnicity rather than actual legal status.
As the legislation continues to make its way through the statehouse, the broader implications for the state’s immigrant population—and the balance between enforcing immigration laws and protecting residents’ rights—remain an ongoing debate.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, its future remains uncertain, with debates over its fairness, efficacy, and potential impact on immigrant communities continuing to divide state lawmakers. If passed, the Mississippi Bounty Hunter Program could have far-reaching consequences for the state’s residents and its approach to immigration enforcement.
