News & Events

Excerpt from Article 2/9/2025

Last summer, former state House Speaker Dean Plocher, R-Des Peres, created a new committee to develop “evidence-based policies aimed at reducing illegal immigrant crime.” Over two months, the committee held six “field meetings” in cities around Missouri.

Plocher created the panel while he was in the midst of a race for statewide office. It highlighted an issue Trump’s campaign had focused on.

It also ruffled feathers: Some members of the panel said the idea of tying immigration to crime was a false narrative, and harmful. “Our neighboring states recognize the significant contributions that the immigrant population makes to their communities,” said Rep. Del Taylor, D-St. Louis, who accused the committee of aiming to make “sensational political headlines.”

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