Cromwell Stands Firm: “No Policy to Rescind” as AG Knudsen Threatens State Takeover Over ICE Cooperation

April 28, 2026

Gallatin County Attorney continues to defy Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s deadline, demanding a legal opinion instead of full cooperation with federal immigration enforcement

Cromwell stands firm against AG Knudsen on ICE information sharing – “No policy to rescind”

Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell is refusing to back down in her standoff with Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen.


In response to Knudsen’s April 6 deadline demanding she rescind her office’s position on sharing Confidential Criminal Justice Information (CCJI) with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Cromwell stated clearly: “No policy to rescind.”


Instead of complying, she reiterated her earlier demand that the Attorney General issue a formal legal opinion on the matter. Knudsen’s office had warned that failure to reverse course would result in the state taking supervisory control over the County Attorney’s office.


According to reports, Knudsen’s deputy communications director, Chase Scheuer, confirmed they received Cromwell’s response and are reviewing it to determine next steps.


This ongoing refusal continues to block full cooperation between local law enforcement and federal ICE agents on criminal justice information sharing. Gallatin County Republicans have repeatedly stated that public safety should not be held hostage by legal technicalities or delay tactics.


When local officials create obstacles for federal immigration enforcement, they put the safety of every resident in the Gallatin Valley at risk. Montana is not a sanctuary jurisdiction, and our elected officials should not be acting like one.

The Gallatin County Republican Central Committee stands firmly with Attorney General Austin Knudsen and the rule of law. We will continue to monitor this situation closely and urge all conservatives to stay informed and make their voices heard — especially ahead of the June 2 Republican primary.


We need elected officials at every level who prioritize public safety and full cooperation with federal law enforcement.


Previous coverage:


Was Gallatin County’s form of government changed without a vote?

Was Gallatin County’s Form of Government Changed Without a Vote? (Part 3)

September 3, 2026
Part 3: Gallatin County used resolutions to move Treasurer, Administrator, and election duties away from elected officials. The Commission says the form never changed because voters never approved a new label.
Meta logo beside a smartphone scanning a profile card, blue and red on dark background

The Meta Settlement: What It Means for Your Speech and Privacy

By Reclaim the Net • August 31, 2026
Meta’s $17B deal isn’t teen limits. The judgment makes adults surrender privacy, ramps up surveillance and account linking—and Meta waived constitutional challenges.
Gallatin County financial crisis deepens with High-Risk Auditee status

Gallatin County’s Financial Crisis Deepens (Part 2)

August 21, 2026
Gallatin County remains a High-Risk Auditee after a second Disclaimer of Opinion. An $8.5 million over-taxation error, unpaid fines, and unanswered questions about accountability continue to raise concerns for taxpayers.
Cromwell faces criticism over plea deals and rising case dismissals

Cromwell’s Office Faces Growing Criticism Over Plea Deals and Case Dismissals

August 19, 2026
Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell faces growing criticism from Attorney General Knudsen and local law enforcement over plea deals and a sharp rise in case dismissals, including domestic violence cases.
Gallatin County receives second Disclaimer of Opinion on FY2023 audit

Gallatin County Receives Second Disclaimer of Opinion in Five Years

August 18, 2026
Auditors issued a Disclaimer of Opinion on Gallatin County’s FY2023 financial statements — the most severe possible outcome. Cash remains unreconciled since 2018 and every corrective action is listed as “Ongoing.”
Senator Daines leads letter urging DOJ to end NFA registration requirements

Senator Daines Leads Push for Nationwide End to Unconstitutional NFA Registration Requirements

August 13, 2026
Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Andrew Clyde urge the DOJ to accept a Texas court ruling striking down NFA registration requirements for suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and short-barreled shotguns, and apply it nationwide.
More Posts