How much will “deputized migrant bounty hunters” cost us in lawsuits and judgements?

Photo above - python bounty hunters, in Florida. Now states are proposing to deputize citizens to hunt and capture illegal aliens

Regular readers of this column will note that I take a nuanced stand on illegal immigrants. Immediately deport those who are charged with felonies. No paperwork ordering them to appear in court, months in the future. No sentencing to our already overcrowded prisons. Just send them back to wherever they came from. Which might be their home country. Or possibly Mexico, or even Canada. If a nation is going to facilitate breaking US immigration laws, that should have consequences.

That said, I am 100% opposed to Missouri’s plan to unleash ordinary citizens as “Migrant Bounty Hunters”. This can only create an epic disaster. Missouri has one the highest gun ownership rates in the nation – near 60%. In the 48 continental states, you’d have to go to Montana or Wyoming to find more guns per person.

Imagine the shouts of jubilee when Missouri’s Amazon pickers, store security guards, and deer hunters learn they can pick up extra cash stalking Juan or Mohammed. Imagine the armed confrontations, when some misidentified migrant resists capture. Imagine the lawsuits afterwards.

Wrongful death awards typically begin at $1 million and can go higher. A LOT higher. Florida (my state) just awarded $300 million to the family of a kid who fell off a theme park ride in Orlando. And a gun wasn’t even involved. What if “Florida Man”, with a couple of empty 40’s in his Dodge Ram, had shot this guy in the head? Sure, he’d go to prison, but any state that deputizes these guys will be on the hook for damages. The trials to AVOID paying damages could cost taxpayers as much as the actual court awards.

There's an easy way to save hundreds of millions in expense here: Let the professionals handle this. Sure, some felons will get away, but that's going to happen no matter what. We don’t need guys who failed the police exam, or got kicked off the force for brutality, running amuck.

I’m just sayin’ . . .

Missouri Floats Program To Deputize Citizens As Migrant Bounty Hunters | Watch