Your Voice Matters! Join us 9am May 26th at the Gallatin Co. Commissioners’ meeting. Let’s fill the Public Comments time slot to let the commissioners know what we think of the ICE Holds and transfers happening in the Gallatin County Detention Center.

Courthouse Community Room (311 W. Main, Bozeman). Public comment is accepted in-person, via Zoom, or in writing by emailing commission@gallatin.mt.gov

Context and FAQs

In Gallatin County, the primary way that ICE is detaining people is through the practice of placing a 48-hour “hold” on them at the county jail. In 2025, 84 people were transferred to ICE custody in this way, many with only minor charges and misdemeanors. The practice is ongoing. Detained people are quickly taken to Great Falls and moved out of state to detention facilities in Tacoma, Salt Lake City, and elsewhere. It is difficult for families to find loved ones and for attorneys to provide clients with representation.

We learn every day about how unsafe these facilities are. According to data collected by the American Prospect, 52 people have died in ICE custody since the beginning of 2025.

What is the supposed legal basis for this practice? In 2020, then County Sheriff Brian Gootkin signed what’s known as a 287g agreement with ICE.

Now we and our current county government have inherited this 287g agreement. None of us had the chance to weigh in on it or to make our voices heard. The agreement may well be invalid–no county commissioners signed it. We don’t know what it means for liability for our county, or for costs to taxpayers. It is harming individuals and families in our community. We have the right to speak out.

For more information, check out the recent Op Ed in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle No ICE Holds in Our Jail, and a FAQ sheet HERE