EBS STAFF
Madison County Sheriff Duncan Hedges announced in a post on the agency’s social media page Feb. 3 that it will not participate in federal immigration enforcement and does not have a 287(g) agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency.
“We are in a unique situation where we are members of two local drug task force entities, due to our geographical location, which are operated by the Montana Department of Justice,” said Hedges in the statement. He went on to explain that the sheriff’s office works with local, state and federal partners on investigations involving drug trafficking, human trafficking, child exploitation and other serious crimes, but does not have authority to enforce immigration laws. While the department may respond to incidents involving federal agencies to ensure public safety, it will not assist in federal immigration enforcement operations.
“Our sole purpose in responding to an incident is, again, to ensure public safety,” stated Hedges. “With that being said. We will not allow anyone else to interfere with a federal law enforcement agency while they are performing their lawful duties either.”Officials also clarified that deputies conducting enforcement actions, including in unmarked vehicles, are identifiable by official uniforms and markings, including the word “SHERIFF” on the back in bright yellow lettering; “I say this so that they are not mistaken for anything more than they are,” Hedges clarified.
