Concerns Rise in Helena Over Recent ICE Operations
HELENA — A year after the arrest of Mexican citizen Christopher Martinez by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), recent operations in the region have ignited concerns among Helena residents. Many are urging the city to revive the Immigration Enforcement Resolution and to take action regarding detainees held within the city.
Investigation Launched into DHS Facility
In response to these concerns, the City of Helena has initiated an investigation into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) facility located near the Helena Regional Airport. This comes after an attorney filed a complaint arguing that the facility should be classified as a correctional institution, which would violate zoning regulations prohibiting prisons near the airport.
Ownership and Operations of the Facility
The Helena Regional Airport Authority, an independent entity, owns the facility and leases it to the federal government. In addition to its primary function, the facility conducts ICE enforcement and removal operations. It recently came under scrutiny due to a federal lawsuit involving a 20-year-old man detained there after his arrest in Gallatin County on June 29.
City’s Findings Dismiss Zoning Charges
City officials have concluded that the detention of individuals is merely an ancillary function of the building, rather than its primary purpose, which is the management of federal enforcement and administrative operations. Consequently, the city dismissed the zoning complaints and ended its investigation.
Limited Involvement of Local Law Enforcement
City leaders clarified that federal authorities are not obligated to notify local officials when individuals are detained at the facility, emphasizing that Helena police were not involved in these enforcement actions. The facility is designed to operate similarly to a police station, with a limited capacity and the capability to detain individuals for 12 to 72 hours.
Civic Activism and Calls for Legislative Action
Community Demand for Protections
Helena resident Shani Henry addressed the city council, stating, “We, the citizens of Helena, ask you to do everything possible to protect our immigrant neighbors and to protect local law enforcement and city resources.” Earlier this year, a measure that restricted local police cooperation with ICE passed by a 4-1 vote. However, it was later repealed after the Montana Attorney General threatened legal repercussions for contravening the state’s laws against sanctuary cities.
City officials have reiterated that Helena is not involved in civilian immigration enforcement and have not been made aware of recent detainee cases by federal authorities.
