Gallatin County Attorney Takes ICE Dispute to Supreme Court Instead of Complying with AG Knudsen

May 4, 2026

Audrey Cromwell files petition seeking judicial clarification rather than directing her office to share confidential criminal justice information with federal ICE agents

Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell takes ICE dispute to Montana Supreme Court

Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell announced today that she has filed a petition with the Montana Supreme Court asking the justices to resolve her ongoing standoff with Attorney General Austin Knudsen over sharing Confidential Criminal Justice Information (CCJI) with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).


In the filing, Cromwell claims she has “no policy to rescind” and accuses the Attorney General of issuing “theatrical directives” instead of providing a formal legal opinion. She argues that releasing the information could expose the county to liability and violate Montanans’ constitutional right to privacy.


Gallatin County Republicans continue to believe this is the wrong approach.


Public safety should not be delayed by legal maneuvering or endless court proceedings. When local officials refuse to fully cooperate with federal law enforcement on criminal justice matters, they put the safety of every resident in Gallatin County at risk. Montana is not a sanctuary jurisdiction, and our elected officials should not be acting like one.


This latest move by Cromwell — filing suit instead of simply directing her office to comply with the Attorney General’s reasonable request — only prolongs the uncertainty and keeps the focus on legal technicalities rather than protecting our communities.


The Gallatin County Republican Central Committee stands firmly with Attorney General Austin Knudsen and full cooperation between state and federal law enforcement. We will continue to monitor this situation closely.


We urge every conservative in the Gallatin Valley to stay informed and make your voice heard — especially in the June 2 Republican primary. We need elected officials at every level who prioritize public safety and the rule of law over delay tactics and privacy excuses that shield criminal activity.


Read the full Supreme Court filing here:

https://supremecourtdocket.mt.gov/case-info/active/29178


Previous coverage on this issue:


Democrats using fake independents and dark money to influence Montana elections and Republican prima

Democrats’ Sneaky New Playbook in Montana: Fake Independents and Dark Money Primaries

May 26, 2026
Democrats are running fake “independents” in the general election while using dark money to rig Republican primaries. Montana voters are being targeted by out-of-state liberal money. Don’t get fooled.
Montana Supreme Court race: Judge Dan Wilson stands for biological reality and women’s safety

Supreme Court Race Highlights Clear Choice: Biological Reality vs. Progressive Ideology

May 23, 2026
Montana Supreme Court race: Judge Dan Wilson stands for biological reality and women’s safety
MTGOP resolution condemning far-left out-of-state billionaires interfering in Montana Republican pri

MTGOP Passes Strong Resolution Condemning Far-Left Out-of-State Billionaires Trying to Buy Montana Republican Primaries

May 14, 2026
The Montana Republican Party has passed a resolution condemning massive dark money spending by far-left out-of-state billionaires and groups like Conservatives4MT in Republican primaries. Full details here.
Conservatives4MT dark money shell game explained – how liberal PACs are funding Republican primaries

How Dark Money PACs Are Trying to Buy Republican Primaries in Montana

May 12, 2026
Conservatives4MT is funded by liberal PACs like Way Back PAC and the Western Futures Fund (backed by Soros-linked money). Here’s the simple step-by-step breakdown of how they’re spending hundreds of thousands to influence Republican primaries in Montana.
Fireweed Campaigns managing Republican primaries while tied to progressive groups and out-of-state m

Fireweed and the Solutions Caucus: Progressive Firm Running Republican Primaries with Out-of-State Money

By GCRCC • May 11, 2026
A Helena consulting firm called Fireweed Campaigns is managing multiple Republican primary campaigns while its staff and funders push progressive causes. Full public records breakdown.
Bozeman homelessness crisis worsened by San Francisco 9th Circuit Martin v. Boise ruling

Bozeman’s Homeless Problem: How a San Francisco Court Decision Made It Worse

May 5, 2026
Bozeman’s homelessness crisis was made worse for years by the 9th Circuit’s Martin v. Boise ruling from San Francisco. Progressive policies tied local hands — now Montana is paying the price.
More Posts