Great Falls Residents Propose Immigration Resolution After Froid Arrest

The proposed resolution aims to limit city involvement in federal immigration enforcement actions.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Residents of Great Falls, Montana have proposed a resolution to the city commission that would prohibit the use of city personnel or resources for federal immigration enforcement and prevent the city from entering into a 287(g) agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The resolution was proposed following the recent arrest of a longtime resident of Froid, Montana by Border Patrol agents, which has raised concerns in the community about the impact of federal immigration actions on local families.

Why it matters

The proposed resolution in Great Falls is part of a broader statewide discussion about the role of local governments in federal immigration enforcement. Similar resolutions have been passed in other Montana cities, like Helena, as communities grapple with the effects of aggressive immigration tactics on their residents. The case of Roberto Orozco-Ramirez, who was arrested in Froid and is facing federal charges, highlights the concerns of residents about how these actions are impacting local communities.

The details

The Great Falls resolution would prohibit city personnel or financial resources from being used for federal immigration enforcement and prevent the city from entering into a 287(g) agreement with ICE. The language regarding the ability of police to request federal agents to unmask and identify themselves during operations is similar to a resolution recently passed in Helena. While the Helena resolution passed 4-1, there were concerns from city officials that requiring police to tell federal agents to unmask could potentially put local law enforcement in legal jeopardy.

  • On Thursday, Roberto Orozco-Ramirez, who has lived in Froid for about a decade, will be in Federal District Court in Great Falls on charges of illegal reentry into the United States, as well as threatening a federal officer.
  • In late January, the Helena City Commission adopted a similar resolution regarding immigration enforcement.

The players

Melissa Smith

A Great Falls resident who read the citizen-proposed resolution during the city commission meeting.

Roberto Orozco-Ramirez

A longtime resident of Froid, Montana who was arrested by Border Patrol agents and is facing federal charges.

Nicholas Buchnowski

A Supervisory Border Patrol Agent assigned to the Plentywood Border Patrol station who provided a deposition about the arrest of Orozco-Ramirez.

Dan Wilkinson

A Great Falls resident who spoke to the city commission about the impact of federal immigration actions on Montana communities and families.

Kate Eby

A resident who addressed the Great Falls City Commission, expressing concern about the handling of the Froid incident and the loss of a valuable community member.

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What they’re saying

“Identification and unmasking stipulates that the Great Falls Police Department officers can, at their sole discretion, request federal agents de-mask and identify themselves during operations if it does not interfere with federal actions,”

— Melissa Smith, Great Falls resident (dailymontanan.com)

“The arrest of a long time British resident in Great Falls, increased border patrol activity across the Hi-Line, and the recent arrest of a small business owner in Froid, Montana, illustrate how these federal actions are impacting Montana communities and families right now. These concerns are part of a broader statewide discussion.”

— Dan Wilkinson, Great Falls resident (dailymontanan.com)

“I see myself in the people of Froid, Montana, who, after their recent interactions, have had their faith undermined in how this was handled, and they lost a valuable member of their community. It hit very hard, and it was a big loss for them, and I would like us not to experience any of those things.”

— Kate Eby (dailymontanan.com)

What’s next

The Great Falls City Commission will consider the proposed resolution in a future work session.

The takeaway

The proposed resolution in Great Falls is part of a broader effort by Montana communities to limit local involvement in federal immigration enforcement and protect their residents from the impacts of aggressive tactics. The case of Roberto Orozco-Ramirez in Froid has galvanized residents and highlighted the need for local governments to take a stand on these issues.