Montana's Republican attorney general announced on Wednesday that he is investigating the city of Helena for potential violations of the state's ban on sanctuary cities. This investigation was prompted by a resolution passed by local officials that discourages cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The move comes at a time of heightened national tensions surrounding President Donald Trump's strict immigration enforcement policies, which have led to protests across various cities. Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from states hosting sanctuary cities that resist his immigration directives.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen indicated that Helena could face fines of up to $10,000 for every five days it is found in violation of a 2021 law that requires local authorities to cooperate with federal immigration agents.
The resolution in question states that officials in Helena will not disclose sensitive information to outside agencies, including a person's immigration status or national origin.
Knudsen stated, 'This is clearly the City Council of Helena thumbing its nose at the Montana Legislature' during a press conference announcing the investigation.
Helena officials have responded that they were not formally notified of the investigation but have acknowledged Knudsen's remarks. The city maintains that the resolution was passed after careful deliberation of applicable state and federal laws.
The city has expressed confidence that its resolution aligns with the law, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to follow all applicable federal and state regulations.
Currently, nearly half of U.S. states have laws prohibiting sanctuary cities, according to the Federation for American Immigration Reform, an organization advocating for reduced immigration.
At the announcement of the investigation, Knudsen was joined by Republican Governor Greg Gianforte, who referred to the difficult situations federal agents have faced, citing the shooting deaths of protesters Alex Pretti and Renee Good at the hands of federal immigration officers in Minnesota. Gianforte called these deaths tragic but maintained that local governments shouldn’t disregard state laws.
