The Helena Police Department is leaving a regional drug task force after the group’s decision to partner with U.S. Border Patrol agents. Helena Police Chief Brett Petty announced the withdrawal from the Missouri River Drug Task Force (MRDTF) during a city commission meeting. The task force had discussed deploying border patrol agents for over a year and formalized the agreement last November.
Petty stated, “I decided to, for Helena PD, to temporarily withdraw from MRDTF because I wanna make sure and keep our focus here for Helena PD [on] the policing and the drug activity.” The Missouri River Drug Task Force includes law enforcement from several counties collaborating with federal authorities to combat drug trafficking.
The plan is to station two agents each in Helena and Bozeman. Petty expressed concerns about border patrol presence, emphasizing the need for Helena PD to focus on drug activity rather than immigration enforcement. “This is not to say that we will never be a part of MRDTF ever again, but I think the best way to do this right now is not enter into that agreement,” he remarked.
Despite Commissioner Sean Logan’s inquiry, Petty assured that the withdrawal won’t affect HPD’s capacity to combat drug crime in Helena. The current drug investigator will remain within HPD’s jurisdiction, even if coordination with the task force continues. However, HPD will forego $15,000 in annual funding due to its exit.
In contrast, the East Helena City Council supported the agreement with border patrol. Council member Wesley Feist commented, “I am proud to have voted to keep East Helena actively involved in the MRDTF, to help combat drug and human trafficking.” The decision aligns with efforts to address local safety and transparency concerns about cooperation with federal immigration agencies.
Last week’s meeting drew about 30 attendees, primarily immigration advocates, who expressed gratitude for Petty’s decision. “I do want to thank you, Chief Petty,” Ashley Fischer stated, praising his responsiveness to community concerns.
This story was updated Jan. 23, 2026, to include that East Helena has stayed in the regional drug task force.
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