Helena City Commission debates immigration policy amid state pressure

HELENA, Mont. — The Helena City Commission is meeting to discuss whether to roll back a city policy linked to immigration enforcement after the Montana Attorney General issued a cease-and-desist order.

Attorney General Austin Knudsen sent a letter raising concerns that the policy may conflict with state law. The policy describes the level of cooperation local officials need to adhere to when working with federal officials, particularly immigration enforcement.

City leaders are reviewing a possible change to the policy. The meeting has drawn input from both commissioners and members of the public.

Attorney Natasha Jones spoke during the meeting about the role of local law enforcement.

"Your local law enforcement officers are charged with enforcing the United States Constitution as well," Jones said. "And because of that, they are trained and knowledgeable on the law as it relates to the United States Constitution, case law, regulations, statue."

Jones added that immigration enforcement is not part of the daily routine for local officers.

"What their jobs do not entail on a daily basis is anything to do with immigration," she said. "It is the truth in our communities that these issues that we are experiencing as a nation are not something that is within the daily routine of our local law enforcement officers."

Public comment reflected different perspectives on the policy.

One Montana resident urged the commission to rescind the policy entirely.

"Don't bother coming up with ideas or amendments without reaching, seeking legal authority," the resident said. "We are witnessing tonight a sad waste of the city's time and finances. And I would recommend, obviously, that you better rescind this."

Another resident argued that the policy does not violate state law and should remain in place with only minor amendments if necessary.

"The repeal of this resolution wholesale is not legally required," the resident said. "Out of an abundance of caution, minor amendments to this resolution can be made, but no part of this resolution that your city attorney drafted and your taxpayer is wanted violates the state law, or makes the city of Helena a sanctuary city."

The commission has not made a final decision yet and discussions are still ongoing.