Why It Matters
Helena officials are attempting to satisfy Montana’s attorney general while preserving elements of a rescinded immigration policy. The dispute centers on whether the city’s original resolution violated state law prohibiting sanctuary jurisdictions.
The commission voted in March to scrap its immigration policy after Attorney General Austin Knudsen demanded compliance with Montana law. City leaders now face pressure to draft language that addresses the AG’s concerns without abandoning their policy goals.
What Happened
City attorney Rebecca Dockter is scheduled to present a revised immigration resolution to the Helena commission on Monday, April 6. The new draft comes after commissioners voted to rescind an earlier policy that Knudsen claimed violated Montana’s sanctuary jurisdiction laws.
Helena’s response letter to the attorney general states the city strongly disagrees with the violation claim but details actions taken to repeal the original resolution. The letter requests cooperation with Knudsen’s office and invites him to propose revisions within 14 days.
The new draft resolution adds language explicitly supporting the Helena Police Department and its cooperation with county, state and federal law enforcement partners. Additional provisions require officers to identify themselves, display badges and perform duties unmasked.
By The Numbers
The revised resolution clarifies that Helena is not a sanctuary city and does not intend to become one. The document explicitly states it does not restrict lawful information sharing with federal immigration agencies.
Commissioner Melinda Reed was the only member to oppose both the rescission motion and the redrafting effort at the March special meeting. Reed said she did not participate in composing the new document and continues to support the original resolution.
The city commission meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the City-County Building chambers.
Zoom Out
The Helena dispute reflects broader tensions between local governments and state officials over immigration enforcement cooperation. Montana law prohibits localities from adopting sanctuary policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Similar conflicts have emerged in other states where conservative attorneys general have challenged local policies they view as obstructing immigration enforcement. The outcome in Helena could influence how other Montana cities approach immigration-related resolutions.
What’s Next
The commission will review the revised draft Monday evening. Attorney General Knudsen has 14 days to propose additional changes if he finds the new language insufficient.
Commissioner Reed indicated she will support reintroducing and passing a resolution similar to the original policy. The final version will depend on whether city officials and the attorney general reach agreement on compliant language.
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