MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- A bill that would allow certified bounty hunters to assist in identifying and reporting undocumented immigrants was introduced in the Mississippi House of Representatives Wednesday. House Bill 1484, proposed by the Desoto County District Attorney and authored by state Rep. Justin Keen, would create the Mississippi Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program. The program would offer a $1,000 reward to registered bounty hunters for each successful deportation they help facilitate. DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton DeSoto County D.A.’s priorities include illegal alien bounty hunter program, social media ban for kids According to the Desoto County DA's office, the reward would be funded by the General Assembly and administered by the state treasurer and is intended to encourage collaboration between law enforcement and private citizens in identifying individuals unlawfully residing in Mississippi, thereby assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in their removal efforts. “This program is a vital step in assisting our law enforcement agencies to better enforce immigration laws and ensure that those in this country unlawfully are sent back to their country of origin,” said Desoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton. “When President Trump took office this week, he immediately recognized the emergency at our borders, rolling out executive orders to combat illegal immigration and cartels. This legislation builds upon that foundation, empowering local leaders and communities to support federal efforts in protecting our citizens.” Larissa Davis, an immigration attorney with Chhabra, Gibbs & Trehan, PLLC in Jackson, learned about the bill Wednesday at the state capitol. She doesn't know everything that's in House Bill 1484 but believes the bill is dangerous and could lead to racial profiling in the state. "I think it’s horrible that they are asking offering a bounty because one of the main issues with something like this is people are going to be targeted based on appearance and what other people believe, and what they don’t understand is a person could actually be here with a pending asylum case or some other petitions or application that is still pending either before an immigration court or USCIS, The U.S. Citizenship Immigration Services," said Davis. DeSoto County DA Barton said over 1,000 illegal aliens were booked into the county detention center during President Joe Biden’s time in office, marking an almost 150% increase compared to the period during President Trump’s administration. Barton said the increase underscores the urgent need for a program like this to address illegal immigration, support federal enforcement efforts, and reduce costs for taxpayers. State Rep. Keen said the legislation is about keeping Mississippi communities safe. “We’ve seen firsthand the danger posed by bad actors and violent criminals who enter this country illegally, like the innocent life of Laken Riley. President Trump’s administration has made it clear that deporting illegal immigrants is a priority, and we are proud to do our part here in Mississippi to help support his agenda and protect our citizens,” Keen said. Davis said there has to be a better way to deport people who don't have status or already have a removal order in place.