Helena City Commission Rescinds Immigration Resolution Amid State Legal Pressure
The Helena City Commission has voted to rescind a controversial immigration resolution that limited the local police department’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The decision comes after intense legal pressure from the state of Montana and warnings of significant financial risks to the city’s budget.
- Helena officials voted 4-1 to scrap a January resolution restricting police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
- Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Governor Greg Gianforte pressured the city, citing state laws prohibiting “sanctuary cities.”
- The city faced potential financial penalties estimated at $14 million.
- Commissioners have directed city attorneys to redraft a new version of the resolution in consultation with the attorney general’s office.
The Path to Rescission
The conflict began in January 2026, when Helena officials approved a resolution that encouraged the city and the Helena Police Department to avoid sharing collected immigration information with federal agents, except when presented with a valid court order. This move followed several high-profile federal law enforcement actions in Montana, including a “mistaken identity” case involving a Helena resident and the arrest of a mechanic in Froid.
However, the resolution quickly drew the ire of state leadership. Governor Greg Gianforte and Attorney General Austin Knudsen launched an investigation, alleging the measure violated Montana’s sanctuary city prohibition. The state’s pressure escalated into legal threats, prompting the city to hold a special meeting on March 26, 2026.
Financial Risks and Public Outcry
During the special meeting held at the Helena Civic Center, the stakes became clear. City officials cited a risk of severe financial penalties totaling approximately $14 million, as well as the potential for costly litigation resulting from the state’s investigation. On the advice of legal counsel, the commission voted 4-1 to rescind the measure.
The meeting was marked by high tensions. More than 200 people attended, with nearly a hundred testifying. Many residents argued that the state was overreaching and that the city was capitulating to “political theater.” The atmosphere became so volatile that Mayor Emily Dean called for a recess after members of the public shouted profanities and “shame” at city officials following the vote.
State Response and Next Steps
Both Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Governor Greg Gianforte welcomed the decision. Knudsen stated that the resolution “should never have been passed in the first place” and reaffirmed his commitment to holding jurisdictions that violate state law accountable. Governor Gianforte emphasized that banning sanctuary cities is essential to keeping Montana’s cities safe.
The Future of the Resolution
Even as the original resolution is gone, the issue isn’t fully settled. In a second 4-1 vote—with Commissioner Melinda Reed dissenting—the commission directed city attorneys to initiate redrafting the resolution. The city intends to invite the attorney general’s office to discuss the revised language to ensure the new version aligns with state law while still addressing the city’s goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Helena rescind the resolution?
The city cited legal threats from the Montana Attorney General and the risk of steep financial losses, potentially reaching $14 million.
What did the original resolution do?
It restricted local police from assisting federal immigration enforcement and discouraged the sharing of immigration information without a court order.
Who opposed the rescission?
Commissioner Melinda Reed voted against the motion to rescind and the motion to redraft the resolution. Many members of the public protested the decision during the special meeting.
As Helena works to redraft its policy, the situation remains a focal point for the debate over local control versus state authority in Montana.
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