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Montana Supreme Court to Rule on ICE Data Sharing Privacy

7/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

The ACLU of Montana filed an amicus brief backing Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell’s claim that ICE data sharing may breach privacy.
Cromwell says ICE must get a court order before receiving records such as files and fingerprints.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen says office can direct county attorneys and deems ICE cooperation essential for security and safety.
The Montana Supreme Court’s ruling will set rules for sharing criminal-justice data with immigration agencies.

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Story summary

The ACLU of Montana filed an amicus brief backing Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell’s claim that ICE data sharing may breach privacy.
Cromwell says ICE must get a court order before receiving records such as files and fingerprints.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen says office can direct county attorneys and deems ICE cooperation essential for security and safety.
The Montana Supreme Court’s ruling will set rules for sharing criminal-justice data with immigration agencies.