Missoulians March for Migration with Dignity

Church organizers call for immigration enforcement changes after deaths in custody

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The 'March for Migration with Dignity' brought Missoulians together on Sunday to honor those who have died in the custody of or while protesting immigration enforcement over the past year. The group, organized by the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, walked from the church to the Russell Smith Federal Courthouse Downtown, where they prayed and read the names of 42 people who have died in ICE detention facilities or in a manner involving enforcement agents since the Trump Administration took office. Attendees signed a letter to Montana's federal delegation asking for immigration reform.

Why it matters

This march highlights growing concerns in the Missoula community about the treatment of migrants and the loss of life associated with current immigration enforcement policies. It reflects a desire for more humane and just immigration policies at the federal level.

The details

The group marched across the Beartracks Bridge to the Russell Smith Federal Courthouse, where they prayed and read the names of 42 people who have died in ICE detention facilities or in a manner involving enforcement agents since the Trump Administration took office. Organizer Jesse Jaeger said the march was a chance for Missoulians of all faiths to bear witness to what they feel is unjust treatment of migrants.

  • The march took place on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

Holy Spirit Episcopal Church

The church that organized the 'March for Migration with Dignity' in Missoula.

Jesse Jaeger

An organizer of the march and member of the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church's social concerns committee.

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What they’re saying

“I go to church with lots of these people every day. I think it's powerful. I personally have friends who are migrants, friends who are temporary protective status, people who had legal status here for years and are losing that status now and are threatened with violence and being deported. It feels so great to have folks standing with me and with us.”

— Jesse Jaeger, Organizer (kpax.com)

What’s next

Attendees of Sunday's march signed a letter, which they intend to send to Montana's federal delegation, asking them to call for immigration reform.

The takeaway

This march reflects the Missoula community's desire for more compassionate and just immigration policies that protect the lives and dignity of migrants. It highlights the human toll of the current enforcement-focused approach and the need for meaningful reform at the federal level.