US EditionPolice department in Montana’s capital city exits drug task force over border patrol involvement
Helena Police withdrew from the 14-agency Missouri River Drug Task Force after Border Patrol joined, over concerns of immigration enforcement involvement, city officials said.
- Helena Police Department temporarily withdrew from the Missouri River Drug Task Force after U.S. Border Patrol joined, with Chief Brett Petty citing a focus on local policing last week.
- Helena officials cited concern that the MRDTF could aid immigration arrests, following months of public outcry after an ICE-involved detainment spurred debate over local cooperation.
- The MRDTF includes 14 Montana agencies and now Border Patrol agents, while East Helena city government approved an updated agreement to remain, with Wesley Feist defending continued participation last week.
- Commissioner Sean Logan questioned if HPD's withdrawal will affect drug crime efforts, while Helena officials said the HPD detective assigned to the MRDTF remains under HPD control.
- The split between Helena and East Helena could disrupt regional cooperation as Helena withdrew from the Missouri River Drug Task Force while local officials said they cannot control federal policy but prioritize community safety.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Helena City Commission grapples with immigration resolution
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Helena City Commission adopts resolution on when, how police interact with immigration officials
Amid the ongoing controversy over federal immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, immigration policy was in the spotlight in the city of Helena Monday night.The Helena City Commission voted 4-1 on Monday to adopt a resolution, clarifying policies for when and how the Helena Police Department will cooperate with federal immigration officials. The debate already scheduled ended up happening just days after a Border Patrol agent shot and killed a m…
Associated Press News
Police department in Montana's capital city exits drug task force over border patrol involvement
The Helena Police Department has announced its exit from a regional drug task force after the agency decided to collaborate with U.S. Border Patrol agents.
Montana Free Press
Helena PD exits drug task force over border patrol involvement
The Helena Police Department has announced its exit from a regional drug task force after the agency decided to collaborate with U.S. Border Patrol agents. Wednesday evening, Helena Police Chief Brett Petty told city commissioners during a meeting that he had decided to withdraw HPD from the Missouri River Drug Task Force. Petty said the drug task force had been discussing the deployment of border patrol agents for over a year and, last Novembe…
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