The Arizona Republican-led legislature is considering a bill that would pay law enforcement agencies $2,500 for each undocumented immigrant whose arrest leads to deportation. The so-called "bounty bill" is sponsored by GOP state Senator Jake Hoffman and seeks to establish an "Arizona Deportations Fund," financed by increased taxes on international money transfers.
Supporters of the measure argue it would incentivize police departments to enforce immigration laws effectively and helps recover economic resources they claim are lost through remittances sent abroad. Opponents, including civil rights groups and Democratic lawmakers, warn the legislation could promote racial profiling and divert law enforcement from other duties.
