Montana AG Rejects Helena's Request for Feedback on Immigration Resolution

Attorney General Knudsen says compliance with state's anti-sanctuary law is not a collaborative process

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:55am

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A quiet, cinematic painting of a government building in downtown Helena, Montana, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a sense of solitude and tension.The dispute over Helena's immigration resolution exposes the strained relationship between Montana's state and local governments.Helena Today

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has rejected Helena's request to collaborate on a revised immigration resolution, stating that compliance with the state's anti-sanctuary law is not a collaborative enterprise. Knudsen said he would review any future resolution passed by the Helena City Commission to determine if it complies with state law, and warned the city against wasting taxpayer resources on another ordinance that would face his scrutiny.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between state and local governments over immigration policies, with the state attorney general taking a hardline stance against any perceived sanctuary city measures. The outcome could set a precedent for how other Montana cities approach immigration issues and their relationship with the state government.

The details

After rescinding its January immigration resolution under threat of a lawsuit from Knudsen, the Helena City Commission sent a new draft of the resolution to the attorney general on April 1 and asked for his feedback within 14 days. The city's plan was to work with Knudsen to draft a revised version. However, Knudsen rejected this request, saying it was based on a 'fundamental misunderstanding' about Montana law and the role of the attorney general. Knudsen referenced a recent incident involving an undocumented Honduran man charged with felony assault, criticizing Helena for 'keeping violent criminals in our community' instead of cooperating with federal immigration authorities.

  • On April 1, 2026, the Helena City Commission sent a new draft of an immigration resolution to Attorney General Knudsen and asked for feedback within 14 days.
  • On April 10, 2026, Knudsen responded by rejecting Helena's request to collaborate on the resolution.

The players

Austin Knudsen

The Attorney General of Montana who rejected Helena's request to collaborate on a revised immigration resolution, stating that compliance with the state's anti-sanctuary law is not a collaborative process.

Alana Lake

The City Manager of Helena who confirmed the city had received Knudsen's letter and said Helena would remain focused on delivering safe neighborhoods, reliable services, and responsible stewardship of public resources.

Emily Dean

The Mayor of Helena who said rescinding the city's original immigration resolution was a strategic decision to pause the threat of an expensive lawsuit, not an admission of mistake.

Leo Dutton

The Lewis and Clark County Sheriff who said an undocumented Honduran man charged with felony assault would not be turned over to federal immigration officials and would instead remain in county custody.

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What they’re saying

“Although I appreciate the City's offer to work together on its next foray into immigration matters, it rests upon a fundamental misunderstanding about Montana law and the role of the Attorney General.”

— Austin Knudsen, Attorney General of Montana

“We believe Montanans are best served by cooperation, clarity and mutual respect across all levels of government. Complex issues deserve thoughtful solutions, grounded in public safety and community trust. The city will continue to move forward with transparency, accountability and a steady commitment to serving all the people of Helena.”

— Alana Lake, City Manager of Helena

What’s next

Knudsen warned that any future immigration resolution adopted by the Helena City Commission will face scrutiny from his office to determine compliance with state law.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between state and local governments over immigration policies in Montana, with the state attorney general taking a hardline stance against any perceived sanctuary city measures. The outcome could set a precedent for how other Montana cities approach immigration issues and their relationship with the state government.