The Fugitive Slave Laws
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Laws in place, such as the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, made it illegal to help runaway slaves by offering them refuge or assistance in escaping to freedom. Those who aided runaway slaves could face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
The importation of new slaves was made illegal in the United States in 1808 as part of the Act Prohibiting Importation of Slaves. This law went into effect on January 1, 1808.
Help return runaway slaves to their owners.
The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 made it a federal crime to assist a runaway slave by allowing for the capture and return of escaped slaves even in free states. This law required citizens to help slave owners recapture their escaped slaves, and those found assisting runaways could face fines or imprisonment.
Runaway slaves tried to avoid getting caught by seeking refuge in underground networks like the Underground Railroad, disguising their appearances, using false documents or identities, and sometimes living in remote areas or blending in with free Black communities.
because they wanted to use the slaves for their work and not let they run away, also, they had to buy the slaves so they didn't want them to run away. Some people wanted what they considered their " property " back. Some were Bounty Hunters.