EXECUTIVE ORDER 25-04

WHEREAS, illegal immigration presents a serious threat to public safety in Missouri, exacerbating challenges related to crime, human trafficking, and the distribution of illicit drugs; and

WHEREAS, the ongoing flow of narcotics, including illegal fentanyl, into Missouri poses a grave danger to public health and safety, with overdose deaths from fentanyl reaching epidemic proportions across the state; and

WHEREAS, the safety of Missouri families and communities demands proactive measures to combat the dangerous impacts of illegal immigration and the flow of deadly narcotics; and

WHEREAS, federal immigration enforcement under 8 U.S.C. Section 1357(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act allows state and local law enforcement agencies to partner with the United States Department of Homeland Security to investigate, apprehend, and detain individuals in violation of federal immigration laws; and

WHEREAS, Section 43.032, RSMo. authorizes the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to designate members of the patrol for training in enforcing federal immigration laws, subject to a memorandum of understanding between the State of Missouri and the United States Department of Homeland Security, in accordance with 8 U.S.C. Section 1357(g); and

WHEREAS, empowering Missouri State Highway Patrol officers with training and authority to assist in enforcing federal immigration laws will strengthen the state's ability to protect its communities from criminal activities and the deadly flow of narcotics; and

WHEREAS, collaboration between state law enforcement and federal authorities is essential to ensure efficient and effective enforcement of immigration laws and to disrupt supply chains bringing deadly drugs into Missouri.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MIKE KEHOE, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the State of Missouri, including Section 43.032, RSMo., hereby order the following:

  1. Directive to the Department of Public Safety: The Director of the Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with the Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, shall work to establish and maintain a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under 8 U.S.C. Section 1357(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and as authorized by Section 43.032, RSMo. The memorandum of understanding shall outline the terms of collaboration between the Missouri State Highway Patrol and federal authorities concerning the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
  2. Training and Certification: Pursuant to Section 43.032, RSMo., the superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol shall designate members of the patrol for training in federal immigration enforcement. This training shall be conducted in accordance with the memorandum of understanding and federal protocols, equipping officers to enforce federal immigration laws during the course of their normal duties in the State of Missouri.
  3. Designation of Duties: Upon successful completion of training, designated Missouri State Highway Patrol officers shall be authorized to enforce federal immigration laws, focusing on the prevention of illegal immigration, the apprehension of criminal offenders, and the interdiction of narcotics trafficking, including fentanyl, that threatens Missouri communities.
  4. Collaboration with Federal Partners: The Department of Public Safety and the Missouri State Highway Patrol shall actively collaborate with federal agencies to share intelligence, coordinate operations, and enhance Missouri's ability to address criminal threats associated with illegal immigration and narcotics trafficking.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, on this 13th day of January, 2025.

[signature of Mike Kehoe]
MIKE KEHOE
GOVERNOR

ATTEST:

[signature of Denny Hoskins]
DENNY HOSKINS
SECRETARY OF STATE

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