Investigations Launched into Sanctuary City Policies in Montana
Governors and attorneys general from western states are now looking into potential breaches of statewide sanctuary city laws and policies. They have made it clear that they will enforce a strict approach towards any lack of collaboration with federal immigration authorities.
Montana’s Governor Greg Gianforte spoke to Fox News Digital about plans to investigate Helena, the state’s capital, in regard to SB 200, a law that permits civil lawsuits and fines against areas found to be in violation of state laws.
“We do not accept insurrection in Montana, and we back our law enforcement,” Gianforte expressed.
The inquiry is primarily focused on the City of Helena, but Gianforte emphasized that it sends a broader message to all local governments: violations could result in penalties.
Helena city commissioners recently decided to restrict local collaboration with federal immigration enforcement, prompting Gianforte and Attorney General Austin Knudsen to investigate this vote as a possible infraction of the Sanctuary City Ban, which was originally crafted by state Rep. Kenneth Holmland.
Gianforte voiced his serious concerns regarding the city’s compliance with state law, mentioning that according to the sanctuary city ban, state and local agencies must cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security.
“President Trump has prioritized securing the border, especially after the previous administration permitted nearly 11 million undocumented individuals to enter the U.S.,” Gianforte remarked in a formal communication seeking Knudsen’s support.
He cited Trump’s aggressive deportation initiatives and expressed disappointment over incidents that have put immigration personnel at risk elsewhere in the country.
In this context, he pointed out that the Helena City Council’s recent resolution instructs local officials not to take actions supporting other federal agencies or to detain individuals based on suspected immigration violations.
“This resolution seems to be designed to hinder federal law enforcement efforts,” Gianforte asserted.
Knudsen commented that the city seems to be disregarding the Montana Legislature, urging also that they might benefit from hiring legal and lobbying help.
A representative for Helena stated that the city has yet to receive any official communication from Gianforte on this subject, noting that they generally refrain from commenting on pending legal matters.
Helena maintains that the resolution was carefully considered in light of local, state, and federal laws, affirming its commitment to adhere to legal obligations.
Knudsen’s office is focusing on Helena, but there are local concerns regarding Missoula, the state’s second-largest city after Billings. A spokesperson for Missoula mentioned that it has never been a sanctuary city, although police do not inquire about immigration status during interactions with the public.
