Montana Governor Probes Capital City Over Immigration Enforcement Limits

Greg Gianforte and Attorney General Austin Knudsen launch investigation into Helena's alleged violation of statewide sanctuary city ban.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Attorney General Austin Knudsen have launched an investigation into the capital city of Helena over its alleged violation of the state's ban on sanctuary cities. The governor and attorney general have vowed zero tolerance for any local governments found to be defying state law and obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Why it matters

The clash between state and local authorities over immigration enforcement policies highlights the ongoing political tensions around immigration in the U.S. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for how sanctuary policies are enforced in Montana and potentially impact similar debates in other states.

The details

Gianforte and Knudsen are investigating Helena's City Council vote to prevent local coordination with federal immigration enforcement, which they claim violates Montana's statewide sanctuary city ban. The governor has "serious concerns" about the city's resolution, arguing it is "clearly designed to obstruct federal law enforcement operations." Knudsen has warned Helena that it does not make state law and must comply, threatening potential penalties if violations are found.

  • On February 16, 2026, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced the investigation into Helena.
  • The investigation was launched in response to a recent Helena City Council vote to limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

The players

Greg Gianforte

The Republican governor of Montana who is leading the investigation into Helena's alleged violation of the state's sanctuary city ban.

Austin Knudsen

The Republican Attorney General of Montana who is assisting in the investigation of Helena alongside Governor Gianforte.

Helena City Commissioners

The city officials in Montana's capital who voted to prevent local coordination with federal immigration enforcement, prompting the state-level investigation.

Kenneth Holmlund

The Republican state representative who originally authored Montana's sanctuary city ban that is at the center of this dispute.

Donald J. Trump

The former U.S. president whose immigration enforcement efforts are cited by Governor Gianforte as justification for the crackdown on sanctuary policies in Montana.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“In Montana, we don't tolerate defiance and we support our law enforcement officers.”

— Greg Gianforte, Governor of Montana (Fox News Digital)

“While the attorney general's initial investigation will focus on the city of Helena, we're really sending a message to all local governments across the state: If you are found to be in violation of state law, there will be penalties.”

— Greg Gianforte, Governor of Montana (Fox News Digital)

“Helena appears to be thumbing its nose to the Montana Legislature and must understand it does not make state law.”

— Austin Knudsen, Attorney General of Montana (Flathead Beacon)

What’s next

The investigation by Governor Gianforte and Attorney General Knudsen will continue, with the potential for legal action and fines against Helena if the city is found to be in violation of the state's sanctuary city ban.

The takeaway

This clash between state and local authorities over immigration enforcement policies reflects the ongoing political tensions around immigration in the U.S. The outcome of the investigation into Helena could set a precedent for how sanctuary policies are handled in Montana and potentially influence similar debates in other states.