In a decisive move to address crime and illegal immigration, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed six executive orders immediately after his inauguration on January 13, 2025. These orders aim to enhance law enforcement capabilities, improve public safety, and strengthen immigration enforcement within the state.
Operation Relentless Pursuit
Governor Kehoe authorized the creation of regional teams to serve outstanding arrest warrants through “Operation Relentless Pursuit.”
This initiative focuses on apprehending individuals with pending warrants, ensuring they face justice promptly. Attorney General Andrew Bailey noted that this action targets approximately 17,000 individuals evading the law.
Blue Shield Community Recognition Program
The “Blue Shield” program is designed to recognize cities and counties that actively work to enhance law enforcement effectiveness.
Communities demonstrating strong support for public safety measures will receive this designation, promoting collaboration between local governments and law enforcement agencies.
Immigration Enforcement Training
Selected Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers will undergo federal immigration enforcement training under the 287(g) program, established in 1996.
This training enables state law enforcement to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws, positioning Missouri to support anticipated federal initiatives under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Mandatory Reporting of Immigration Status
Law enforcement agencies are now required to include the immigration status of individuals in arrest reports. This measure aims to provide accurate data on undocumented migrants involved in criminal activities, assisting in the identification and tracking of such individuals within the state’s justice system.
Enhanced Trooper Compensation
The period for Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers to reach the top of their pay grade has been reduced from 15 years to 12 years.
This adjustment seeks to improve trooper retention and morale, ensuring that experienced officers remain committed to maintaining public safety across Missouri.
Probation and Parole Working Group
The Department of Corrections has been directed to assemble a working group to examine and revise rules for probation and parole.
The focus is on allowing offenders with substance abuse or other issues to seek treatment while ensuring that repeat or violent offenders are appropriately incarcerated, balancing rehabilitation with public safety concerns.
| Executive Order | Purpose | Key Actions | Target Group | Implementation Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operation Relentless Pursuit | Apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants | Establish regional teams to serve warrants | Individuals with pending warrants | Immediate |
| Blue Shield Program | Recognize communities enhancing law enforcement effectiveness | Designate cities/counties supporting public safety measures | Local governments | Immediate |
| Immigration Enforcement Training | Train state troopers in federal immigration law enforcement | Enroll selected troopers in 287(g) program | Missouri State Highway Patrol | Immediate |
| Reporting of Immigration Status | Include immigration status in arrest reports | Mandate law enforcement agencies to document individuals’ immigration status upon arrest | Arrested individuals | Immediate |
| Enhanced Trooper Compensation | Accelerate salary progression for state troopers | Reduce time to reach top pay grade from 15 to 12 years | Missouri State Highway Patrol | Immediate |
| Probation and Parole Working Group | Review and revise probation and parole rules | Form a group to assess current rules, focusing on treatment for certain offenders and incarceration for repeat/violent offenders | Offenders under probation/parole | By October 1, 2025 |
These executive orders represent Governor Kehoe’s commitment to tackling crime and illegal immigration in Missouri.
By implementing these measures, the state aims to enhance public safety, support law enforcement, and ensure that justice is effectively administered.
FAQs
What is Operation Relentless Pursuit?
Operation Relentless Pursuit is an initiative authorized by Governor Kehoe to create regional teams focused on serving outstanding arrest warrants, aiming to bring approximately 17,000 individuals into court.
What is the purpose of the Blue Shield Program?
The Blue Shield Program recognizes cities and counties that actively work to enhance law enforcement effectiveness, promoting collaboration between local governments and law enforcement agencies.
What is the 287(g) program?
The 287(g) program, established in 1996, allows state and local law enforcement officers to receive federal training to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws.