Federal judge says immigration arrests in Montana were 'illegal, improper and unconstitutional'

By DARRELL EHRLICK

"This practice of after-the-fact arrest warrants can be called many things — illegal, improper, and unconstitutional, among them. But whatever label one wishes to apply, the practice is fundamentally at odds with and offensive to lawful, constitutional behavior in this country.” – U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris, in an order to release 24 people who were being held by immigration officials.

Judge orders immigration officials to release 24 people unlawfully detained in Montana

by Keila Szpaller

A federal judge ordered immigration officials to release 24 individuals being unlawfully held in Cascade County, some for more than six weeks, Upper Seven Law announced in a news release. Upper Seven Litigation Director Molly Danahy said in a statement those people will be allowed to return to their families. “In Montana, we know how […]

Helena tables decision about federal grant program with new immigration strings attached

by Jordan Hansen

A routine $53,000 grant for the city of Helena led to an uproar after citizens discovered new requirements to cooperate with federal immigration officials. The grant would have funded cameras around city buildings with federal dollars administered through Montana Disaster and Emergency Services. But the Helena City Commission tabled the contract last week after immigration […]

State to tear down former governor’s residence

by Jordan Hansen

The Capitol Complex Advisory Council voted 8-1 during a meeting this week to tear down a former residence of Montana governors, located at 2 N. Carson Street in Helena. The building has been a topic of legislative and state discussion for years, as the residence, built in 1959, was in disrepair. It would have needed […]

Highlights from this week

THURSDAY: Public Service Commission votes to take up merger decision with new member
WEDNESDAY: Montana to study adding more wildlife crossings
TUESDAY:Debate between US Senate candidates tips scales for audience members
MONDAY:Glacier Park: Rare disease detected in beaver
Last week: Fraudsters hit Missoula College in national financial aid ‘ghost student’ scheme

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Tyrannosaurus Rex was a warm-blooded dinosaur with a body temperature similar to humans, study says | Smithsonian Magazine
Billings man who blinded an infant now accused of fraud | The Billings Gazette
Yellowstone County cold case closed after nearly 50 years | The Billings Gazette

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