By Carli Johnson STAFF WRITER
Gallatin County commissioners voted Tuesday, June 16 to end the county’s 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement following months of public outreach, written testimony and an ongoing lawsuit challenging the program’s approval.
The decision came during the commission’s weekly meeting at the Gallatin County Courthouse, where a large crowd filled the third-floor community room to weigh in on whether commissioners should approve the agreement.
“Montanans deeply value personal freedoms. Everyone here, regardless of immigration status, should have due process,” Caroline Price said in her testimony.
After hearing public comment and reviewing written testimony submitted over the past several months, commissioners Jennifer Boyer and Zach Brown voted unanimously to end the agreement.
The vote follows months of public debate and a lawsuit challenging the county’s participation in the federal 287(g) program. The agreement, signed by former Gallatin County Sheriff Brian Gootkin in 2020, allowed the Gallatin County Detention Center to hold inmates on behalf of ICE. Plaintiffs in the lawsuit argued the arrangement was never formally approved by county commissioners and should therefore be declared void.
However, Tuesday’s vote does not end local cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
In a public comment, county sheriff Dan Springer told commissioners that while the 287(g) agreement has not been used since May 2025, a 2021 Montana law requires public safety officers to hold individuals who are subject to a federal immigration detainer request for up to 48 hours.
“I want everyone to understand that with or without the 287(g) program, nothing changes,” Springer said. “We are following state statute.”
More than 20 people spoke during public comment, with most expressing support for withdrawing approval for the agreement. Before the vote, both commissioners reflected on the legal challenge and the extensive public response the issue generated.
“My goal is to maintain the trust and confidence of our community in your local government and law enforcement, and from my perspective this agreement undermines that,” Boyer said.
Brown also spoke about the importance of public engagement in the process.
“Community is better served when we work with integrity, trust and respect,” Brown said.
For residents involved in the lawsuit, the vote marked a significant moment after months of advocacy and community organizing.
“I feel relieved that the commissioners withheld approval and that they understand that the community has strong opinions about this,” said Julia Shaida, a Gallatin County resident and plaintiff in the lawsuit.
Erin Levy, another plaintiff, said she appreciated the opportunity for public participation throughout the process.
“They really listened and gave opportunities to speak,” Levy said.
