Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has signed an immigration enforcement agreement with the Trump Administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS), allowing state law enforcement to take a more active role in deportation efforts.
Under the agreement, Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) troopers and Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) agents will have the authority to arrest illegal aliens in Montana and collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on deportation procedures.
“President Trump’s commitment to cracking down on illegal immigration and securing our nation’s southern border is unmatched,” said Attorney General Knudsen. “On the contrary, over the last four years, Joe Biden’s open border policies made every state a border state. Just recently, we saw firsthand in Montana the negative impact of Biden’s policies as six Venezuelan gang members were arrested in Gallatin County.”
Following training by ICE, designated MHP troopers and DCI agents will be authorized to enforce certain immigration laws, including:
- Interrogating and arresting illegal aliens,
- Serving and executing warrants for immigration violations,
- Issuing immigration detainers.
The agreement was established under Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which permits DHS to partner with state or local law enforcement agencies to grant qualified personnel immigration enforcement authority.
This partnership aligns with the Trump Administration’s broader efforts to strengthen immigration enforcement, hold criminal illegal aliens accountable, and secure the U.S.-Mexico border. Officials believe it will enhance public safety in Montana, particularly in light of recent ICE actions that led to the arrest of six members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in Gallatin County.
State officials argue that increased immigration enforcement capabilities will help mitigate the impact of illegal immigration in Montana, a growing concern as law enforcement agencies nationwide continue to grapple with border security challenges.
By: DNU staff