Helena Commission Rescinds Immigration Resolution

0:00It's March 27. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Candidate News today. Your AI-powered local news. Helena City commissioners voted to rescind a resolution that limited local police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. This came exactly two months after they first approved it, bowing to legal pressure from Montana Attorney General Austin Newton. The move passed on a 4-to-1 vote during a tense special meeting. Right after the vote, public outbursts led Mayor Emily Deane to call a recess amid shouts of shame and profanity. Once back, commissioners directed city attorneys to redraft the measure and consult with the Attorney General's office. That motion also cleared on a 4-to-1 tally. Tensions ran high as a hired attorney warned of Steve Feins under Montana's 2021 Sanctuary City ban, including $10,000. Every five days of non-compliance, plus lost grants. Public commenters split sharply with some decrying state leaders tactics as bullying and others pushing for compliance to avoid a costly fight.

1:01The original resolution stemmed from community outcry over a local man's detention by immigration agents during a police stop last year. Proponents wanted to shield officers from federal partnerships and limit sharing immigration details unless legally required. Now, officials plan to update the commission within 30 days on talks with the state. This shift keeps Helena in line with state law while eyeing potential future tweaks to balanced local concerns.