Mississippi bill makes illegal immigration state crime, heads to governor

A bill that would make illegal immigration a state crime is heading to the Mississippi governor’s desk after lawmakers acted on a proposal State Auditor Shad White made a key part of his 2026 legislative priorities, White said in a Facebook post.

In the post, White said Mississippi taxpayers spend roughly $100 million every year on services for people living in the state without authorization and that the bill would give law enforcement more leeway to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and save taxpayers money.

State Auditor Shad White oversees audits and financial oversight of state agencies. His office has in recent years pushed for greater enforcement measures and fiscal accountability, and White made immigration enforcement a prominent item on his agenda for 2026, according to the post.

Immigration enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility, and efforts by states to criminalize immigration or expand cooperation with federal authorities have prompted legal and policy debates elsewhere. Supporters of state-level measures argue they can reduce costs and improve public safety, while critics have raised concerns about legal challenges and civil rights consequences.

We will provide more information as it becomes available.