US EditionMontana group sues over law allowing police to check immigration status during unrelated stop
The nonprofit argues the law violates Montana's Constitution by allowing racial profiling and detentions without particularized suspicion during routine stops, challenging prolonged detentions as illegal.
- Tuesday, Valley Neighbors of the Flathead sued the state and Attorney General Austin Knudsen in Lewis and Clark County District Court to block House Bill 278, which took effect Wednesday and allows immigration-status checks during routine stops.
- House Bill 278, signed into law in April 2025 and sponsored by Rep. Nelly Nicol, R-Billings, allows officers to check immigration status during stops and passed largely along party lines.
- Court documents describe legal residents detained from hours up to a week, including a Venezuelan man held nearly a week by U.S. Customs and Border Protection after a Whitefish police stop.
- The lawsuit argues HB 278 violates Montana Constitution's particularized suspicion standard and enables detentions for unlawful presence, while plaintiffs say it breaches privacy and anti-discrimination protections.
- Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio warned the law risks biased checks, Rep. Brandon Ler called the lawsuit disappointing Wednesday, and Upper Seven has repeatedly sued Montana's GOP government in recent years.
6 Articles
6 Articles
Associated Press News
Montana group sues over law allowing police to check immigration status during unrelated stop
HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A Flathead-based immigration advocacy organization is suing the state of Montana to block a 2025 law that allows law enforcement to check the immigration status of individuals during routine stops, like when someone is pulled over for a traffic violation.
Nonprofit sues state to prevent law enforcement from checking immigration status during routine stops
A Flathead-based immigration advocacy organization is suing the state of Montana to block a 2025 law that allows law enforcement to check the immigration status of individuals during routine stops, like when someone is pulled over for a traffic violation. House Bill 278, brought by Rep. Nelly Nicol, R-Billings, expands law enforcement’s purview during stops, enabling officers to “make a reasonable attempt, upon reasonable suspicion and when prac…
Flathead nonprofit sues state of Montana and Attorney General over investigative detentions law
HELENA, Mont. - Valley Neighbors of the Flathead, a nonprofit, is suing the state of Montana and Attorney General Austin Knudsen over a new law permitting law enforcement to conduct warrantless detainments based on suspicion of immigration status, which they…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
