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Missoula leaders clarify local role on immigration enforcement after public comment
Summary
Following a public comment urging cooperation with ICE, Mayor Andrea Davis and local officials emphasized that Missoula police enforce judicial warrants but are not deputized for administrative immigration enforcement; the program also covered differing responses by other Montana cities and state officials' positions.
A public commenter at a neighborhood meeting urged local cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, saying many jurisdictions comply and expressing concern about repeat offenders. The host identified the commenter as Susan Campbell Renault.
Mayor Andrea Davis responded by clarifying Missoula's policy: "We are not in the business of immigration enforcement. We have not been deputized as such, and we have not signed federal agreements to do as such," she said, adding that local officers will pursue justice on the basis of judicial warrants but not for administrative (non-judicial) immigration warrants.
Missoula Police context: The host also relayed that Missoula Police Chief Mike Collier and other local public-safety leaders emphasized prioritizing local public-safety responsibilities while respecting state law constraints. The program contrasted Missoula's approach with actions in other Montana jurisdictions; the host reported Helena passed a resolution declining a partnership agreement with ICE (the agreement referenced as a 287-type partnership), prompting an attorney-general response criticizing the city for defying state law.
Why it matters: The segment framed limits on local authority and the tension between local policy preferences and state law. City officials encouraged residents to consult a published FAQ for details about how the city handles immigration-related requests from federal authorities.
Next steps: No formal local ordinance was adopted during the program; the mayor pointed listeners to existing city guidance and a public FAQ for further detail.
Sources: Public commenter (identified on-air as Susan Campbell Renault); Andrea Davis, mayor; reporting on Helena resolution and state responses as discussed on Wake Up Missoula.
