Montana Governor Announces Formal Investigation Into Helena, City Officials Respond

Governor Gianforte says an investigation is underway for the City of Helena as they determine if city officials violated sanctuary city laws.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The City of Helena has passed a resolution that distances the city's police department from federal immigration agents, which has caught the attention of Governor Gianforte. Gianforte has announced a formal investigation into the city, stating the resolution appears to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents, potentially violating Montana's ban on sanctuary cities. The City of Helena has responded, stating the resolution was drafted with careful consideration of applicable laws and that the city remains committed to upholding all applicable federal and state laws.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between state and local governments over immigration enforcement policies, with Montana's governor seeking to crack down on any perceived violations of the state's ban on sanctuary cities. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the City of Helena's ability to set its own policies around local law enforcement's involvement in federal immigration actions.

The details

In January 2026, the City of Helena passed Resolution No. 21062, which outlines the city's policy on police involvement in federal immigration enforcement actions. The resolution states that the Helena Police Department will enforce its own public safety laws and ordinances, and avoid committing resources to federal actions for which it has no authority, including avoiding any 287(g) agreements. The resolution also supports the police department's ability to request identification and unmasking of Department of Homeland Security officers if the officer feels it will not interfere with federal jurisdiction.

  • On January 26, 2026, the City of Helena passed Resolution No. 21062.
  • On February 11, 2026, Governor Gianforte announced a formal investigation into the City of Helena's actions.

The players

Governor Greg Gianforte

The governor of the state of Montana who announced a formal investigation into the City of Helena's actions.

City of Helena

The city in Montana that passed a resolution limiting local police involvement in federal immigration enforcement actions, which has prompted an investigation by the state governor.

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What they’re saying

“Recently, the Helena city commission passed a resolution that raises serious concern about their compliance with the state law. This resolution appears to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agents, potentially a direct violation of our sanctuary city ban.”

— Governor Greg Gianforte (Facebook)

“The resolution was drafted with careful consideration of applicable local, state, and federal law, and the City believes the resolution is consistent with those legal requirements. The City remains committed to upholding all applicable federal and state laws.”

— City of Helena (City of Helena statement)

What’s next

The Montana Department of Justice will conduct a formal investigation into the City of Helena's actions to determine if they violate the state's ban on sanctuary cities.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between state and local governments over immigration enforcement policies, with Montana's governor seeking to crack down on any perceived violations of the state's ban on sanctuary cities. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications for the City of Helena's ability to set its own policies around local law enforcement's involvement in federal immigration actions.