Inside Montana's conflict with its capitol city over immigration enforcement

Leaders of Montana’s capital city plan to discuss possible changes to a resolution that limits police cooperation with federal immigration agents. Helena Mayor Emily Dean said on Monday that she has invited state Attorney General Austin Knudsen to discuss the resolution with the city in a special meeting on Thursday. Knudsen has accused local officials of violating a 2021 state law that bans “sanctuary” policies and has threatened a lawsuit and fines. City officials are facing mounting public pressure from residents to stand against the state. Advocates say the conflict is about local law enforcement’s ability to set its own priorities. Leaders from municipalities across the state are watching to see how it plays out.