Two months after Helena officials limited local police collaboration with federal immigration enforcement, city commissioners rescinded the measure due to legal threats from Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen. The decision followed over five hours of public commentary, where nearly 100 individuals passionately expressed views on government control, budget implications, and democratic values. The resolution, initially passed in January, was overturned in a 4-1 vote. The city now intends to redraft the resolution with input from the attorney general’s office.
The special meeting, held at Helena Civic Center, saw tensions rise as city-hired attorney Natasha P. Jones recommended rescinding the measure. Jones highlighted the financial risks tied to a 2021 Montana law banning sanctuary cities and potential legal expenses. Attorney General Knudsen’s February cease-and-desist letter threatened legal action unless city compliance was achieved.
Many citizens rejected labeling Helena as a “sanctuary city” and urged the commission to uphold the resolution. They criticized Knudsen and Gov. Greg Gianforte’s tactics as “bullying.” Barbara Chillcott, a Helena resident, argued against rescinding, emphasizing the resolution reflected community values. However, others cautioned against engaging in a political dispute with state leaders.
Jones noted the state law imposes $10,000 fines every five days of non-compliance, starting from the resolution’s January passage. Non-cooperative cities risk losing public grant funding. Helena’s financial director, Sheila Danielson, reported $14 million in state and federal funding last year. Most commissioners, though reluctant, agreed on the financial risks.
Mayor Emily Dean lamented the situation, expressing concern over state overreach. Commissioner Melinda Reed, dissenting, stressed the importance of maintaining local independence. She questioned the cost of preserving rights and criticized governance driven by fear. The commission’s January resolution aimed to limit Helena police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, specifically avoiding 287(g) agreements and preserving individual privacy.
The resolution’s rollback came despite years of advocacy against federal immigration crackdowns, like the 2025 arrest of Christopher Martinez Marvan. Public members and officials have pushed to prevent similar incidents. As Helena revisits its stance, the commission remains committed to engaging with the attorney general’s office to devise a legally compliant resolution.
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