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Helena Today
By the People, for the People
Montana AG Investigating Helena for Potential Sanctuary City Violations
City officials passed a resolution opposing federal immigration enforcement, raising concerns over state's sanctuary city ban.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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Montana's Republican Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced an investigation into the City of Helena for potential violations of the state's sanctuary city ban. This comes after Helena city officials passed a resolution opposing federal immigration enforcement actions, which Knudsen claims violates a 2021 state law banning sanctuary cities.
Why it matters
The investigation highlights the ongoing tensions between local and state governments over immigration enforcement policies, with Republican-led states seeking to limit so-called "sanctuary" policies in cities and counties. This case could set a precedent for how the sanctuary city ban is interpreted and enforced in Montana.
The details
In 2021, the Montana legislature passed House Bill 200, which prohibits local governments from enacting policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The City of Helena recently passed a resolution stating the city will not assist with federal immigration enforcement actions unless required by law. Attorney General Knudsen claims this resolution violates the state's sanctuary city ban and has launched an investigation into the city's actions.
- In 2021, the Montana legislature passed House Bill 200 banning sanctuary cities.
- On February 12, 2026, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced an investigation into the City of Helena.
The players
Austin Knudsen
The Republican Attorney General of Montana who announced the investigation into the City of Helena.
City of Helena
The city in Montana that passed a resolution opposing federal immigration enforcement, which the state Attorney General claims violates the state's sanctuary city ban.
Greg Gianforte
The Republican Governor of Montana.
House Bill 200
A 2021 law passed by the Montana legislature that bans sanctuary cities in the state.
What they’re saying
“We must not allow local governments to flout state law and enact policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.”
— Austin Knudsen, Montana Attorney General (ground.news)
What’s next
The investigation by the Attorney General's office will determine if the City of Helena's resolution violates the state's sanctuary city ban. If found in violation, the city could face legal action or financial penalties.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing battle between state and local governments over immigration enforcement policies, with Republican-led states seeking to limit so-called "sanctuary" policies. The outcome could set a precedent for how sanctuary city bans are interpreted and enforced in Montana and potentially other states.
