Montana Sanctuary Policy and Local Authority

Montana has not enacted a statewide statute preempting local sanctuary policies. House Bill 200 in 2019 sought to prohibit Montana cities and counties from adopting sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities, but it was vetoed by the governor. As a result, no Montana statute currently bars or mandates local sanctuary practices, and local law enforcement agencies retain discretion over how they cooperate with federal immigration officials, subject to general state and federal law. Practical cooperation patterns vary by jurisdiction.

There are no state penalties for sanctuary policies because no preemption statute is in effect; federal cooperation issues remain governed by federal law and inter-agency agreements.