Homan Supports ICE Agents to Aid TSA Colleagues
Democrats have opted not to cut funding for the Department of Homeland Security, resulting in a prolonged shutdown exceeding six weeks. This struggle over government funding has adversely impacted millions and led over 500 TSA employees to retire. In response, President Trump has enacted an executive order aimed at compensating certain workers, but the Senate remains in recess and has yet to approve a funding bill.
In a separate issue, the attorney general of Montana has urged counties to revoke a policy that restricts Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from accessing criminal justice data from local law enforcement. He argues that this stance is illegal and hampers collaboration with federal authorities. However, local officials have resisted this call.
The state of Montana previously prohibited sanctuary cities in 2021 under Governor Greg Gianforte’s administration, which also empowers Attorney General Austin Knudsen to enforce compliance and investigate any breaches, threatening civil lawsuits against local or state agencies that fail to comply.
Knudsen has pointed out to Gallatin County that its current policy is “legally incorrect,” emphasizing that Montana’s regulations do not isolate law enforcement agencies from federal partners like ICE. In a letter to Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell, he stated, “Let me be clear: Montana is not California. This state has not adopted policies that isolate our law enforcement partners or undermine the enforcement of duly established federal laws.”
The Sheriff is seeking alternative methods for cooperation with ICE following a new Maryland law that prohibits collaboration with immigration officials.
Addressing the allegations that the county does not recognize ICE as a legitimate criminal justice agency eligible for confidential information, Cromwell claimed these assertions were inaccurate. When presented with correspondence from her aide indicating that the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office does not acknowledge ICE as such, her office later clarified that Gallatin County does not enforce a comprehensive policy that prohibits cooperation with ICE.
In her statement, Cromwell’s office noted that only the County Commission has the authority to determine county policy, not her office. They explained a specific case where ICE sought confidential information on an individual for a civil matter. Following legal review, her team indicated that ICE does not meet the definition of a “criminal justice agency” in that scenario.
Knudsen reiterated his position, stating that Montana’s definition of a criminal justice agency is broad and includes federal entities when appropriate. He highlighted that Gallatin County’s stance jeopardizes safety since state law permits an expanded interpretation of “law enforcement,” necessitating information sharing to ensure community safety.
He also accused the county of deliberately crafting this policy to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities while avoiding outright recognition. He drew parallels to a sanctuary policy, despite the state’s ban on such measures.
Knudsen has ordered Gallatin County to make corrections by Monday, with instructions to communicate this through the state’s lead litigator and to preserve all related documents.
Meanwhile, Helena, Montana’s capital, reportedly reversed its non-cooperation stance with ICE after facing legal threats from Knudsen’s office. This change followed an external attorney’s advice, which warned that the city could incur substantial fines every few days for violating the anti-sanctuary policy.
Amid escalating political and physical threats, ICE continues to be under pressure due to the current administration’s aggressive immigration policies, with documented increases in assaults and threats against ICE and Customs and Border Protection personnel.
