Arizona Proposes $2,500 Payout for Each Deported Migrant

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Arizona lawmakers have introduced a controversial bill that would reward law enforcement agencies with a $2,500 incentive for each undocumented immigrant they arrest and whose detention results in deportation.

Bill Overview

State Senator Jake Hoffman, who is sponsoring the bill, stated that the legislation is designed to allow local law enforcement to detain and transfer undocumented immigrants to federal authorities for deportation. “This measure strengthens our ability to address illegal immigration at the state level,” Hoffman told Arizona Family.

Why It Matters

Arizona is one of several states moving to align with former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Immigration remains a deeply divisive issue, with Republicans prioritizing stricter enforcement while Democrats push for broader reforms.

Hoffman insists that this bill is in line with Trump’s agenda and aims to provide local agencies with financial support for assisting in federal immigration enforcement. However, the funds would only be distributed after deportation is confirmed.

Funding Proposal

To finance the initiative, Senate Bill 1111 proposes a tax on foreign wire transfers. Transfers under $500 would incur a $25 fee, while amounts over $500 would be taxed an additional 5% of the total sum.

Hoffman, a leading figure in the Arizona Freedom Caucus, has openly referred to his proposal as the “bounty bill.”

Opposition and Concerns

Democrats and immigration advocates have condemned the bill, arguing that it promotes racial profiling and discourages immigrant communities from cooperating with law enforcement.

Calli Jones, spokesperson for Arizona Senate Democrats, criticized the proposal, stating, “Arizonans want border security, but they did not vote to turn our law enforcement officers into bounty hunters.”

Melina Arellano, a representative of the human rights group Puente AZ, expressed concerns about the chilling effect on immigrant communities. “People will avoid calling the police or seeking help out of fear that any interaction could lead to deportation,” she said.

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has also spoken out against the measure. Her spokesperson, Christian Slater, declared, “There’s no chance the governor will sign off on a tax hike that funds a bounty system targeting immigrants who have lived and worked in our communities for years.”

Next Steps

The bill is scheduled for discussion in the Senate Government Committee on Thursday. If it secures a majority vote, it will advance to the next legislative stage for further consideration .

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