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As the legislative session nears its end, U.S. Rep. Troy Downing proposes a bill to cut HUD funding for “sanctuary cities.” This targets Montana areas limiting police cooperation with ICE. Downing’s bill aims to withhold federal housing funds from cities not sharing immigrant data or detaining those arrested by immigration agents.
Downing stated on social media, “If a city refuses to cooperate with federal immigration law, it should not receive a dime in HUD funding.”
Questions remain unaddressed about the bill’s impact on Helena, which initially passed a noncooperation resolution. After threats of a lawsuit from Attorney General Austin Knudsen, Helena rescinded the policy.
In April, Knudsen accused Gallatin County of withholding criminal justice information from ICE. He assumed control over the office, a decision under review by Montana’s Supreme Court.
A poll shows that six in 10 Montanans support local police collaboration with ICE. However, some communities, like Bozeman and Missoula, prioritize local law enforcement over immigration enforcement.
Montana state law prohibits cities from offering refuge to undocumented immigrants. At a press conference, Knudsen and Gov. Greg Gianforte criticized policies opposing ICE as state law violations.
Some Montana counties have joined 287(g) agreements with ICE. These include warrant service agreements in Flathead and Gallatin counties, allowing local police to serve warrants. The Montana Department of Corrections and other counties have similar agreements for immigration enforcement.
Despite Downing’s efforts, the bill faces slim chances of a vote this year, with the House having only 30 scheduled workdays left. Downing seeks reelection on Nov. 3 in Montana’s Eastern Congressional District.
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