Missouri lawmakers this week weighed several Republican-led bills that would allow prosecutors to criminally prosecute individuals in the United States illegally.
The three bills would create new criminal offenses, such as trespass by an “illegal alien.” In some instances, prosecutors could only charge individuals if they have already been accused of another crime. The bills vary in how they define who is in the United States illegally.
The legislation comes amid a nationwide debate over historic numbers of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Republicans across the country, including Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, have sought to draw attention to the southern border ahead of the 2024 presidential election as federal legislation that would provide stricter border security stalls in Congress.
Missouri state Rep. Richard West, a Wentzville Republican and sponsor of one of the bills, said that he’s an advocate of legal immigration but has concerns about the federal government’s handling of illegal immigration. West said his bill would target only those coming across the border with “nefarious ideas.”