Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte (R) and Attorney General Austin Knudsen (R) announced an investigation into possible violations of a statewide ban on sanctuary cities and sanctuary-jurisdictional policies.
Montana has a statewide ban on sanctuary cities and sanctuary-jurisdictional policies, enacted throughHouse Bill 200(HB 200) in 2021 and signed by Gov. Gianforte.
The law explicitly bans state agencies and local governments (including cities, counties, and other jurisdictions) from enacting or maintaining “sanctuary” policies. This includes any rules, ordinances, or practices that:
The law requires full compliance and cooperation with federal immigration law enforcement to prevent jurisdictions from providing “sanctuary” or limited cooperation for undocumented immigrants.
Further, the Attorney General has authority to monitor compliance, investigate complaints or potential violations, and pursue civil legal action against non-compliant entities. Penalties include fines of up to $10,000 per violation for every five days the non-compliance continues. Additional consequences can include withholding or halting state funds distributed to the violating jurisdiction.
On January 26, 2026, the Helena City Commission voted on Resolution 21062- A Resolution Memorializing City of Helena Policy When Federal Immigration Enforcement Actions Are Present Within City Limits.
The resolution directs the Helena Police Department to avoid assisting federal authorities (like ICE) with immigration enforcement unless legally required.
Further, it prohibits entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE, limits the sharing of sensitive information (e.g., immigration status or national origin) except under court order or law, and encourages asking federal agents to identify themselves and remain unmasked when possible.
Following the resolution, Governor Gianforte told Fox News Digital that he and Attorney General Knudsen will investigate Helena under SB 200.
“In Montana, we don’t tolerate defiance and we support our law enforcement officers,” Gianforte toldFox News Digital.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
