HB 278 Sparks Legal Challenge in Montana

Valley Neighbors of the Flathead sued state and AG Austin Knudsen in Lewis and Clark County to block House Bill 278.
House Bill 278, signed April 2025, allows immigration checks during stops.
Bill sponsored by Rep. Nelly Nicol, R-Billings, passed along party lines.
Court documents show Venezuelan man detained up to a week by CBP after Whitefish stop.
Lawsuit claims HB 278 violates Montana Constitution's particularized suspicion standard and breaches privacy/anti-discrimination.
Police Chief Jordan Venezio warns law risks biased checks.
Rep. Brandon Ler called lawsuit disappointing.
Upper Seven has sued GOP government recently.

Law | Immigration | Legal Challenge

United States | Venezuela

Austin Knudsen | Nelly Nicol | Jordan Venezio | Brandon Ler

3 months ago