39-17-114 - Transportation of illegal aliens.
39-17-114. Transportation of illegal aliens.
(a) It is an offense for any person for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain to transport or cause to be transported into the state an individual who the person knows or should have known has illegally entered or remained in the United States, as determined by the bureau of immigration and customs enforcement of the United States department of homeland security.
(b) (1) This section shall not apply to common carriers.
(2) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the individuals were being transported for religious purposes.
(c) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor punishable only by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each person illegally transported.
(d) Any moneys received from a violation of this section shall go to the arresting agency or agencies.
[Acts 2007, ch. 242, § 1.]