Senate Bill 2284 Summary

• Prohibits aliens from entering or attempting to enter Mississippi at locations other than lawful ports of entry; first offense is a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or $2,000 fine, subsequent offenses are felonies punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment and/or $10,000 fine.

• Criminalizes re-entry by aliens who have been denied admission, excluded, deported, or removed from the United States; Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or $4,000 fine, with enhanced felony penalties (2-20 years) for certain circumstances including prior drug/violent crime convictions.

• Authorizes judges to issue removal orders discharging defendants and requiring return to their foreign nation of origin in lieu of prosecution or as part of sentencing; law enforcement must collect biometric data and cross-reference against criminal and national security databases before such orders are issued.

• Prohibits law enforcement from arresting individuals for immigration violations on school, religious facility, or healthcare facility premises; prohibits expunction, intensive supervision, or parole eligibility for immigration offense convictions.

• Provides immunity from state law liability and federal law indemnification (capped at $100,000-$300,000 per incident) for local and state officials enforcing the act, except in cases of bad faith, conscious indifference, or recklessness; effective July 1, 2024.