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AG Knudsen Jumps Into Gallatin County Dispute on Immigration Jail Holds
- Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen criticized Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell's advice opposing the allocation of a specific number of jail spaces to hold individuals detained for federal immigration purposes beginning in May 2025.
- Knudsen argued Cromwell's guidance was politically motivated and opposed President Trump's immigration policies, while Cromwell defended her opinion citing legal risks and due process concerns.
- Gallatin County, one of two Montana counties participating in the 287 program, previously considered a sheriff's proposal to rent 10 detention beds to ICE at $135 per day but halted the plan after public opposition.
- Knudsen, a Republican and Trump supporter since 2021, urged the county commission to cooperate more closely with ICE despite the commission reaffirming support for Cromwell and Sheriff Dan Springer.
- The dispute highlights local tensions over immigration enforcement as Gallatin County balances legal liability, community relations, and cooperation with federal authorities under Trump’s renewed immigration agenda.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Gallatin County Attorney blasted for advising against ICE contract
Gallatin County Courthouse in Bozeman. (Keila Szpaller/The Daily Montanan)A Gallatin County Commissioner described a scalding letter from the attorney general about a local legal opinion as “political theater” and said Friday the county has had the longest-standing agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of any county in Montana. Wednesday, Attorney General Austin Knudsen sent a letter to the Gallatin County Commissioners critici…
Helena Independent Record
AG Knudsen jumps into Gallatin County dispute on immigration jail holds
In a Wednesday letter, AG Austin Knudsen accused Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell of political opposition to federal immigration enforcement, rather than advising county officials based on legal analysis.
Montana Attorney General urges Gallatin Co. to collaborate with ICE
UPDATE: 5/22/25 - 8 PM - In an email to KBZK, Gallatin County Attorney Cromwell issued a statement in response to AG Knudsen's letter to the commission.Gallatin County already participates in the effective federal 287(g) programwhich ensures that undocumented individuals charged with a crime in Gallatin County are immediately flagged and held for ICE, states County Attorney Audrey Cromwell. Given constitutional concerns regarding due process, si…
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