WHITEFISH—Republican congressional nominee Aaron Flint and Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino joined local residents in Whitefish on Friday for a rally supporting Border Patrol and local law enforcement, while Flint used the event to criticize Democratic opponent Sam Forstag’s lobbying record on immigration and criminal-justice issues.
The gathering drew roughly 40 people near the Whitefish Customs and Border Protection station and included local elected officials, Republican candidates and party activists.
Flint said federal immigration officers and local law enforcement need greater resources and stronger cooperation to enforce immigration laws and address drug trafficking and other criminal activity.
Heino emphasized the importance of cooperation among local, state and federal law-enforcement agencies, saying Border Patrol assists local authorities with responsibilities including search and rescue, drug investigations and security along the northern border.
The event also gave Flint another opportunity to focus on Forstag’s previous work as a registered lobbyist.
While lobbying for the American Civil Liberties Union during the 2021 legislative session, Forstag opposed House Bill 200, legislation designed to prevent Montana state agencies and local governments from adopting sanctuary policies or refusing certain cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Flint’s campaign also pointed to Forstag’s opposition to House Bill 223, which addressed local detention of people already in custody when federal immigration detainer requests were present.
The campaign has also highlighted Forstag’s lobbying against legislation involving increased penalties for assaults on peace officers, emergency responders and judicial officers, as well as legislation aimed at increasing penalties for cartel members and drug dealers whose drugs result in a death.
Flint said those positions show a broader difference between the candidates over immigration enforcement and criminal justice.
He pledged to support additional resources for Border Patrol and local police and said he would back stronger federal immigration enforcement if elected.
The Whitefish rally comes as immigration and public safety have become prominent issues in the race for Montana’s western U.S. House district. Flint and Forstag are competing in the November general election.