The decision of the Helena Police Department to remove itself from the Missouri River Drug Task Force has put the City in the cross-hairs of Gov. Greg Gianforte and Senate President Matt Regier. The Governor has instructed Attorney General Austin Knudsen to begin an investigation into the City of Helena’s apparent violation of the State’s ban on Sanctuary Cities.
The Helena City Commission voted 4-1 to back-up Police Chief Brett Petty’s decision after the Task Force decided to collaborate with U.S. Border Patrol agents. Last month, the City Commission passed a resolution instructing HPD to not enter a 287(g) agreement, which could deputize Helena Officers to aid in ICE enforcement. That, apparently was a step too far for the Governor and Attorney General.
Gov. Greg Gianforte tells us, he signed House Bill 200 into law following its passage in the 2021 Legislature, which he says “explicitly bans sanctuary city policies in Montana. Apparently, the City’s decision to detach itself from the Task Force is enough for Republican leadership open the investigation.
Chief Petty says he wants to make sure his officers focus on Helena’s drug problems and not border enforcement. The Task Force includes officers from Lewis & Clark, Gallatin, Park, Meagher, Madison, Broadwater and Sweet Grass Counties working with Federal authorities on drug enforcement. He says he doesn’t agree with the Task Force getting involved with immigration enforcement.
Helena citizens are expressing concerns about safety and transparency in federal immigration activities.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen notes there’s a consequence for violating House Bill 200: a fine of up to $10,000 for every 5-days Helena isn’t in compliance with the State’s Sanctuary City ban.
