MICE Act Aims to Redefine Immigration Enforcement in Mississippi

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Key Takeaways

• The MICE Act mandates a $7.50 fee on money transfers up to $500, plus 1.5% for amounts exceeding $500.
• Law enforcement must formalize ICE agreements by January 1, 2026, with progress reports starting October 1, 2025.
• Carrier contracts after September 30, 2025, must include attestations against transporting unauthorized immigrants, with forms ready by September 1, 2025.

The Mississippi Immigration Enforcement Act of 2025 (MICE Act) has been introduced in both the Mississippi House and Senate, marking a substantial moment in the state’s approach to immigration enforcement. Known as the “Big Cat” immigration bill, this legislative proposal lays out significant measures to tighten immigration controls. If passed, it would reshape existing policies and establish a stricter framework for compliance and enforcement.

Introduced as House Bill 1440 and Senate Bill 2511, the MICE Act proposes amendments to the Mississippi Code of 1972. The aim is to establish a comprehensive roadmap for enhanced immigration enforcement. The bills are set to take effect on July 1, 2025, signaling a new chapter in state-level immigration policy.

MICE Act Aims to Redefine Immigration Enforcement in Mississippi

Key Provisions of the MICE Act

One of the main features of the MICE Act is the financial requirement imposed on money transmitters operating within Mississippi. According to the bill, licensed businesses facilitating money transfers must collect a fee of $7.50 per transaction on amounts up to $500 and an additional 1.5% on anything exceeding $500. These fees must be sent to the Mississippi Department of Revenue on a quarterly basis. The first remittance for these collections is due on October 15, 2025, covering the initial quarter from July to September.

Revenue generated from these fees would support a newly formed Illegal Immigration Enforcement Fund within the State Treasury. This fund is specifically designed to support the operational needs of the proposed Illegal Immigration Enforcement Unit and offer funding to local law enforcement agencies that work on federal immigration initiatives. By directing these resources into a dedicated fund, the state seeks to create a sustainable financial backbone for its enforcement efforts.

The legislation also mandates the establishment of the Illegal Immigration Enforcement Unit within the Mississippi Department of Public Safety. This unit’s duties would encompass implementing federal immigration laws, including those authorized under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Local law enforcement agencies across the state would have access to an illegal immigration enforcement training program developed by the Department of Public Safety. This aims to standardize the enforcement process statewide and improve preparedness.

Cooperation With Federal Immigration Programs

The MICE Act introduces a requirement for all law enforcement agencies operating county detention facilities to enter into formal agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under Section 287(g). This opens avenues for closer cooperation between Mississippi and federal authorities on immigration enforcement. A hard deadline of January 1, 2026, is in place for finalizing these agreements, while monitoring updates must be furnished to the Mississippi Department of Public Safety beginning October 1, 2025.

To ensure compliance, the act grants authority to the Governor of Mississippi to dismiss local officials, including sheriffs, if their agencies fail to meet the outlined requirements. This underscores the high level of priority and enforcement behind the legislation.

Carrier Regulations and Attestation Requirements

The MICE Act also addresses the activities of both common and contracted carriers. It prohibits government agencies in Mississippi from entering into or renewing contracts with carriers that knowingly transport unauthorized immigrants into the state. After September 30, 2025, any new or amended contracts with carriers must include attestations that they are not participating in such practices.

To facilitate this process, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety is required to develop an attestation form that all relevant carriers must complete. This form is expected to be ready by September 1, 2025. The implementation of these carrier regulations reflects an intention to close potential gaps in enforcement and discourage the transport of unauthorized individuals to the state.

Financial Impacts and Tax Credit Provisions

Another critical component of the MICE Act is the tax relief offered to residents. Under the proposal, taxpayers would be eligible for a credit equivalent to the fees they paid during the tax year to money transmission businesses. If taxpayers are unable to use the full credit in the current year, the remaining balance can be carried forward for up to five years. This tax credit provision is designed to offset some of the financial burdens that residents might face under the new fee structure.

Legislative Status

As of February 4, 2025, House Bill 1440 failed to progress and “died in committee.” However, the introduction of an identical bill in the Senate, under the name Senate Bill 2511, demonstrates that lawmakers are still committed to pushing forward with this legislative effort. The parallel proposals indicate an ongoing interest and priority in addressing immigration enforcement in the state.

Implications for Mississippi Stakeholders

The act’s provisions are expected to have a wide-ranging impact on various sectors across Mississippi. Money transmission businesses, for example, may need to adjust their procedures to accommodate the collection and remittance of the newly proposed fees. These operational shifts could influence their relationships with customers, especially those dealing in small or frequent transactions.

Law enforcement agencies will face new obligations, from training requirements to forging formalized agreements with ICE. Meeting these compliance deadlines will involve logistical planning, allocation of personnel resources, and budgeting for the rollout of updated procedures. Moreover, the authority vested in the Governor to penalize non-compliance stresses the state’s determination to ensure adherence to the new rules.

Similarly, changes to carrier regulations may create operational headaches for transportation companies that need to demonstrate compliance with the act’s strict attestation requirements. Contracting with state or local authorities will now involve heightened scrutiny, potentially altering how these businesses structure their practices.

Broader Context and Controversies

While supporters of the MICE Act argue that the legislation strengthens Mississippi’s ability to manage immigration-related issues, it has also triggered discussions on its broader implications. Critics may question the economic impact of mandatory transaction fees on residents and businesses. Others could raise concerns about the collaborative framework with Section 287(g) and the increased reliance on local law enforcement for immigration tasks.

The overall direction of these bills suggests Mississippi may become an example for other states aiming to increase their role in immigration enforcement. Policymakers nationwide are likely observing its legislative process to gauge its feasibility as a potential model.

Conclusion

The Mississippi Immigration Enforcement Act of 2025 (MICE Act) presents an expansive approach to immigration enforcement, combining financial provisions, cooperative enforcement mechanisms, and strict carrier regulations into one cohesive legislative package. Although House Bill 1440 has stalled in committee, the ongoing progress of Senate Bill 2511 underscores continued efforts to pass this “Big Cat” immigration bill.

By introducing new tax credits, fee structures, and compliance mandates, the act indicates a determined shift toward increased state-level participation in immigration policy. If enacted, the MICE Act would impose new practices on businesses, law enforcement agencies, and carriers. It would also showcase Mississippi’s commitment to reinforcing immigration controls—even at the cost of imposing stricter regulations on its stakeholders. As legislative debates unfold, much attention will remain focused on how these changes could redefine immigration enforcement in the state.

For additional details about immigration enforcement and related processes, readers can consult the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website at ice.gov. As reported by VisaVerge.com, the “Big Cat” immigration bill serves as a critical example of state-led efforts to address complex immigration challenges. Further discussions and legislative developments will certainly shape its final impact.

Learn Today

Mississippi Immigration Enforcement Act (MICE Act) → A legislative proposal aimed at tightening immigration controls and enhancing state-level immigration policy in Mississippi.
Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act → A federal law enabling state and local law enforcement to collaborate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Illegal Immigration Enforcement Fund → A proposed state treasury fund to financially support immigration enforcement operations and local law enforcement participation in federal initiatives.
Attestation Requirements → Legal obligations for carriers to certify they do not knowingly transport unauthorized immigrants to comply with state regulations.
Tax Credit Provisions → Financial offsets allowing residents to claim the fees paid for money transfers as credits against their taxes.

This Article in a Nutshell

Mississippi’s MICE Act of 2025, dubbed the “Big Cat” bill, proposes stricter immigration enforcement through new fees, tax credits, and enhanced state-federal cooperation. While advocates highlight its dedication to control, critics warn of economic and societal impacts. With Senate Bill 2511 still active, Mississippi’s immigration policies could dramatically evolve. Will opportunity outweigh controversy?
— By VisaVerge.com