Montana
Gianforte directs Montana National Guard to begin working with Texas on border security
Gov. Greg Gianforte directed the Montana National Guard to begin coordinating with Texas this week, signaling his intent to aid Gov. Greg Abbott in his efforts along the southern border with Mexico.
“While [President Joe] Biden refuses to do his job and enforce the immigration laws already on the books, the state of Montana will identify meaningful ways to support Gov. Abbott and Texas in their efforts to secure the southern border,” Gianforte said in a statement Tuesday.
The governor’s directive to Major Gen. J. Peter Hronek, the adjutant general for Montana, is in response to the “threat posed to every state by the surge in illegal immigration,” Gianforte’s office said.
As per the directive, National Guard officials will begin sussing out how Montana can assist Texas. That includes a potential support mission manned by volunteers, according to Gianforte’s office.
Abbott requested the assistance from Montana, according to the press release. Gianforte previously told the Inter Lake he was open to sending Guard members to Texas at Abbot’s request.
A spokesperson for the Montana Army National Guard directed all questions regarding the directive to the Governor’s Office.
Gianforte visited the southern border at Eagle Pass, Texas on Feb. 4 alongside 12 other Republican governors in a show of support for Abbott. The three-term Texas governor is at loggerheads with the Biden administration over federal immigration policy.
Abbott has effectively blocked U.S. Border Patrol from an area of the border in Eagle Pass since mid-January, declaring that the illegal crossings constituted an invasion under the Constitution and the state has the right to defend itself. Abbott’s interpretation of the language in the Constitution, though, has drawn criticism from scholars.
The move came after arrests for illegal border crossings from Mexico reached an all-time record in December, according to the Associated Press.
Abbott’s campaign along the border thus far includes miles of concertina wire strung by state officials and the seizure of Eagle Pass’ Shelby Park, a spot that U.S. Border Patrol previously used to process immigrants, according to NBC News. The U.S. Supreme Court has since ruled that federal agents are allowed to remove the wire while a related legal dispute works its way through the courts.
Montana has assisted Texas in the past. The state deployed Guard members to the southern border last year to assist Texas’ efforts.
Reporter Kate Heston can be reached at kheston@dailyinterlake.com or 758-4459.
WESTERN MONTANA — Here’s a look at Western Montana’s top news stories for Wednesday.
The University of Montana removed Business Professor Anthony Richard Pawlisz from faculty after he was charged with criminal endangerment in Ravalli County court. Pawlisz allegedly pulled a gun on a man and fired a shot into the air after a fight outside of a bar in Florence on Aug. 17, according to court documents. His former class will continue under Professor Udo Fluck. (Read the full story)
Nathaniel Luke Smith pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct on Monday after posing a threat to Mission High School on Oct. 8, which prompted increased police presence while classes continued. Smith is also serving a three-year deferred sentence for intimidation from an incident in November 2024. (Read the full story)
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte said he will not be using state funds to temporarily cover SNAP benefits for nearly 78,000 enrolled Montanans if federal funding runs out on Nov. 1. Amidst a government shutdown, he said it’s a federal responsibility — despite calls from Democrats and food banks to use leftover state money. (Read the full story)
Montana
Army Veteran and Fourth-Generation Montana Rancher Announces Run for Montana’s First Congressional District
Matt Rains recently announced his campaign for Montana’s First Congressional District seat. Rains, a Democrat, is a fourth-generation Montana rancher, U.S. Army Veteran, and former Chief of Staff for the Montana Farmers Union.
“I am running for Congress because Montanans deserve better,” said Rains. “Like my neighbors and friends, I see and feel the cost of everything going up in Montana – and Ryan Zinke is making it worse by voting to support the tariffs and cutting Medicaid to drive up our health care costs.
“When I see a problem, I run towards it to find a solution: when our country was at…
Atlanta mayor prepares emergency response as possible SNAP funding lapse looms
One architect’s vision for a transformative new NBA arena in downtown Minneapolis
Jim Irsay’s massive collection of guitars, artifacts from John Lennon, others to be sold
15-year-old critically wounded in Stanton Heights shooting
Local food banks see surge in demand as federal assistance remains uncertain
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Tracking U.S. Military Killings in Boat Attacks
Virginia school district slapped with complaint alleging new claims in viral trans locker room fight
RFK Jr walks back Trump administration’s claims linking Tylenol and autism
WATCH: Massey family speaks at vigil after Illinois sheriff’s deputy convicted over killing of Sonya Massey
Trump says China will work with him to stop fentanyl trafficking
-
New York7 days agoVideo: How Mamdani Has Evolved in the Mayoral Race
-
World1 week agoIsrael continues deadly Gaza truce breaches as US seeks to strengthen deal
-
News1 week agoVideo: Federal Agents Detain Man During New York City Raid
-
News1 week agoBooks about race and gender to be returned to school libraries on some military bases
-
Technology1 week agoAI girlfriend apps leak millions of private chats
-
Politics1 week agoTrump admin on pace to shatter deportation record by end of first year: ‘Just the beginning’
-
News1 week agoTrump news at a glance: president can send national guard to Portland, for now
-
Business1 week agoUnionized baristas want Olympics to drop Starbucks as its ‘official coffee partner’