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

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.

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