Montana AG Investigates Helena Over Recent City Approval

Attorney General Knudsen launches probe into Helena's immigration policy resolution.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced an investigation into the city of Helena following a recent resolution by the Helena City Commission that limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The investigation, launched in conjunction with Governor Greg Gianforte, centers on whether the city's actions violate Montana's 2021 ban on sanctuary cities.

Why it matters

The outcome of the investigation could have broader implications for other localities in Montana, potentially influencing whether they adopt similar policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. The situation sets the stage for potential legal clashes between the state and municipal governments over immigration policies.

The details

According to a press release from the Montana Department of Justice, the Helena City Commission's resolution prevents local law enforcement officers from assisting federal immigration law enforcement operations. Attorney General Knudsen stated that under the state law, if the investigation finds a violation, the attorney general can bring a civil action against the city. The potential penalty for violating the sanctuary city ban is a fine of up to $10,000 for every five days the city is found to be in violation.

  • On February 11, 2026, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced the investigation.
  • In 2021, Governor Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 200 into law that explicitly bans sanctuary city policies in Montana.

The players

Austin Knudsen

The Montana Attorney General who announced the investigation into the city of Helena.

Greg Gianforte

The Governor of Montana who signed the 2021 law banning sanctuary city policies in the state.

Helena City Commission

The city government of Helena, Montana that passed a resolution limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

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What they’re saying

“Governor Gianforte and the 2021 state legislature ensured local governments' cooperation with federal immigration officers and charged my office with enforcement of this law. Together, we are keeping our promise to Montanans to work with our federal partners so they can effectively do their jobs and help us keep our streets and families safe.”

— Austin Knudsen, Montana Attorney General (newsdirectory3.com)

“In 2021, I signed House Bill 200 into law that explicitly bans sanctuary city policies in Montana and under this law, no state or local government may enact policies that refuse cooperation with federal immigration authorities.”

— Greg Gianforte, Governor of Montana (newsdirectory3.com)

What’s next

The investigation will determine if the Helena City Commission's resolution violates Montana's ban on sanctuary cities. If a violation is found, the attorney general can bring a civil action against the city, with a potential penalty of up to $10,000 for every five days the city is found to be in violation.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the ongoing tensions between state and local governments over immigration enforcement policies. The outcome could influence whether other Montana cities adopt similar policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, setting the stage for potential legal battles over the scope of state versus municipal authority on this issue.