Why It Matters
Helena city leaders have hit an impasse on immigration enforcement policy after Montana’s attorney general warned he would challenge any new measure. The deadlock means the city’s police department currently operates without formal guidance on cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and taxpayers have already spent an estimated $100,000 on legal fees.
What Happened
The Helena City Commission cannot agree on how to proceed with an immigration resolution following Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s refusal to collaborate on a revised policy. City Attorney Rebecca Dockter reported at a Monday evening meeting that commissioners met individually with outside legal counsel Natasha Jones but failed to reach consensus on next steps.
The commission voted in March to rescind an earlier resolution that directed the Helena Police Department to avoid assisting federal immigration enforcement and to not disclose individuals’ immigration status. Lawmakers also voted to revise the policy and seek input from the attorney general.
Knudsen rejected the city’s invitation to work together on a new version. In an April written response, the attorney general stated his office would evaluate any new policy for compliance with state law and warned against wasting additional taxpayer resources.
By the Numbers
$100,000: Estimated amount Helena has spent on legal fees related to the immigration resolution
5: Members of the city commission
3: Number of commissioners needed to reach consensus
2: Additional commissioners needed to bring the topic back for public discussion
March 2025: When the commission rescinded its original immigration policy
What They’re Saying
Commissioner Sean Logan told reporters he opposes moving forward if it means prolonged legal action against the attorney general. “Anything moving forward is gonna be litigious, and consequently, there’s going to be more legal fees associated with it,” Logan said.
Commissioner Melinda Reed expressed disappointment with the process, saying it was not clear that members were supposed to indicate their preferred next steps during individual meetings with the attorney’s office. Reed said she would seek support from two other commissioners to schedule public discussion of the issue.
Dockter told the commission there is no deadline or statute of limitations on potential action, but declined to provide details about Jones’s recommended approach, citing attorney-client privilege.
Zoom Out
The standoff reflects tensions between local governments and state leadership over immigration enforcement across Montana. Attorney General Knudsen has taken an aggressive stance against what he terms “sanctuary city” policies, warning municipalities against adopting measures that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Members of the public have generally urged the commission to stand by its original January resolution rather than yield to pressure from the attorney general’s office. The closed-door nature of commissioners’ individual meetings with legal counsel has frustrated transparency advocates seeking clarity on the city’s direction.
What’s Next
No action is currently scheduled on the immigration policy. Commissioner Reed plans to seek support from at least two other commissioners to bring the matter back for public discussion at an upcoming city meeting. Any new resolution the commission passes would likely face legal challenge from the attorney general’s office.
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