Arizona Senator and Government Committee Chairman Jake Hoffman (R-LD15) sponsored two Senate bills aimed at enhancing the illegal immigrant deportation efforts of the federal government. SB1088 and SB1111 each advanced out of committee, setting the stage for a full Senate vote.

The first bill, SB1088, mandates that all local, county, and state governments, their employees, and their independent contractors cooperate with Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill carries significant teeth, providing a 10% funding penalty to be paid back to the AZ general fund for violations. The clawback would be due within 30 days of the violation. If a contractor violated the rule, it would immediately void its contract. A unique aspect of the new bill would allow private citizens to bring a right of action to enforce the law.

Hoffman stated, “Criminal illegal aliens are committing violent and horrific acts, not only here in Arizona, but across the nation. Look no further than the tragic story of Laken Riley in Georgia, who was brutally raped and murdered. We don’t want these dangerous individuals on our streets. Unfortunately, rogue politicians are attempting to undermine President Trump’s wildly popular deportation efforts, and Senate Republicans want to ensure cooperation with keeping our communities safe.”

However, the second bill, SB1111, is causing quite a stir among pundits and politicos alike. The bill provides a $2500 “bounty” to local, county, and state law enforcement agencies for every apprehended and deported criminal illegal alien. The funds would derive from fees for wiring money outside the U.S., ranging from $25 and up. Taxpayers can claim the amount paid as a credit on their state taxes. The funds would be deposited into the bill-created Arizona Deportations Fund, administered by the State Treasurer, who would distribute the bounties.

Hoffman addressed the bill, stating, “We often find criminal illegal alien enterprises involved in drug trafficking, child sex trafficking, and human smuggling transmitting the profits they make back to their nation of origin. This negatively impacts our gross domestic product here at home and across the nation. We should be recovering those economic losses,” Hoffman added, “SB 1111 empowers law enforcement to work with federal immigration authorities to arrest and deport these dangerous individuals. This is a critical mission that Arizona voters overwhelmingly support, and we want to reward the efforts of our hardworking officers.”

Widespread concerns about such a program’s moral and ethical challenges, not to mention constitutional concerns abound. To add to such concerns, all committee Democrats voted against the measure despite its passage. Given the controversial nature of the bill, It remains unclear how it will fare in the broader Senate.