ST. LOUIS — The Special Interim Committee on Illegal Immigrant Crimes held its penultimate meeting Tuesday, as it grapples with its mandate and public perception.
Formed in July following concerns about illegal immigrant crime in Missouri, the committee was announced by House Speaker Dean Plocher. The group aims to work closely with law enforcement to evaluate criminal activities involving illegal immigrants and develop solutions to address them. The committee intends to use data to craft evidence-based policies designed to reduce such crimes and enhance public safety.
The committee’s formation was prompted by several high-profile incidents in Missouri, including fatal shootings, a car accident, and stabbings involving illegal immigrants.
However, committee chair Rep. Lane Roberts, a Joplin Republican and former police chief, has shifted the focus. “Our focus is on crime in general, not just crimes committed by illegal immigrants,” Roberts stated. He highlighted the difficulty in obtaining reliable data on crimes committed against individuals who are in the country illegally.
Several advocates criticized the committee’s scope and name during the meeting. “The title of your committee may lead people to associate illegal immigration with Mexican Americans, which can distort public perception,” said Ness Sandoval, a sociology professor at Saint Louis University. Sandoval warned that the committee’s findings could spark national debate and potentially impact immigration trends.
Brian Helling from the Migrant and Immigrant Community Action (MICA) Project expressed concerns that the committee’s approach might foster distrust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. “When individuals fear law enforcement, they are less likely to seek help, which makes communities less safe,” Helling said.
The committee plans to hold one more public hearing in Cape Girardeau before preparing its final report. Potential recommendations may include increased funding for legal services and community outreach, as well as new laws targeting the use of technology and social media in crimes, particularly those involving fentanyl.
“There will be a report, I can guarantee that,” Roberts said. “Whether it includes actionable items remains to be seen.”