Montana AG Rejects Helena's Immigration Resolution Request

Attorney General Knudsen says he will review any future resolution for legal issues.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:24pm

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A dimly lit government building in Helena, Montana, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows across the facade, creating a sense of quiet unease and political tension.The clash between state and local immigration policies casts a long shadow over the political landscape of Montana.Helena Today

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has rejected a request from the city of Helena to collaborate on revising a local immigration resolution. Knudsen stated he would instead review any future resolution independently to determine if it meets legal requirements.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between state and local governments over immigration policies, with the Republican-led state government asserting its authority over the more liberal city administration.

The details

In a letter to Helena officials, Knudsen declined the city's request to work together on revising the immigration resolution, stating he would independently review any future version to ensure it complies with state law. The original resolution, passed by the Helena City Council in 2025, aimed to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.

  • The original Helena immigration resolution was passed in 2025.
  • On April 10, 2026, Attorney General Knudsen rejected the city's request to collaborate on revising the resolution.

The players

Austin Knudsen

The Republican Attorney General of Montana, who has taken a hardline stance against Helena's immigration policies.

Helena City Council

The local government of Helena, Montana, which passed an immigration resolution in 2025 that the state Attorney General has now rejected.

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What they’re saying

“I will review any future resolution to determine whether it passes legal muster.”

— Austin Knudsen, Attorney General of Montana

What’s next

The Helena City Council will need to decide whether to revise the immigration resolution in light of the Attorney General's rejection of their request for collaboration.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing power struggle between state and local governments over immigration policies, with Republican-led state administrations often seeking to override more progressive policies enacted by Democratic-led city governments.