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Helena Police Withdraw from Drug Task Force Amid Immigration Concerns

1/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Helena Police Department (HPD) withdrew from the Missouri River Drug Task Force over concerns about collaboration with U.S. Border Patrol agents, according to Police Chief Brett Petty.
The task force plans to deploy border agents in Helena and Bozeman, prompting Petty to express concerns about expanding immigration enforcement.
East Helena City Council voted to stay in the task force.
HPD said its drug-crime efforts would remain unaffected.

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Story summary

The Helena Police Department (HPD) withdrew from the Missouri River Drug Task Force over concerns about collaboration with U.S. Border Patrol agents, according to Police Chief Brett Petty.
The task force plans to deploy border agents in Helena and Bozeman, prompting Petty to express concerns about expanding immigration enforcement.
East Helena City Council voted to stay in the task force.
HPD said its drug-crime efforts would remain unaffected.