Helena, Montana – Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is leading a coalition of attorneys general from 22 states in calling on Congress to approve legislation that would provide long-term funding for two of the nation’s primary immigration enforcement agencies.
The coalition recently sent a letter to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson and U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune urging lawmakers to pass the Secure America Act and send it to President Donald Trump for approval. According to the attorneys general, the measure would provide critical and stable funding for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), agencies they say play a key role in border security, immigration enforcement, and combating drug trafficking.
The group requested that Congress move the legislation through the budget reconciliation process, which allows certain budget-related measures to pass with a simple majority vote.
Coalition Calls for Long-Term Funding
Supporters of the proposal argue that reliable funding is necessary to ensure federal law enforcement agencies can continue carrying out their responsibilities without interruption.
According to the letter, earlier this year Senate Democrats blocked funding related to CBP and ICE, resulting in a 76-day funding lapse affecting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The coalition argues that agencies responsible for border security and immigration enforcement should not be placed in situations where funding becomes uncertain due to political disputes.
The attorneys general contend that the Secure America Act would provide long-term financial support for the agencies and help strengthen efforts aimed at preventing illegal immigration, fighting drug smuggling operations, and removing individuals who pose public safety threats.
“Thanks to President Trump’s decisive leadership and the extraordinary dedication of CBP and ICE personnel, our southern border is now the most secure it has ever been. The days of unchecked illegal crossings that empowered human traffickers, fentanyl dealers, and violent criminals to endanger American families and communities are behind us,” Attorney General Knudsen said. “We urge our Republican colleagues in Congress to ensure robust funding for CBP and ICE through the remainder of President Trump’s term — and to act now.”
Knudsen Highlights Montana Immigration Actions
The request to Congress comes as Knudsen continues to support immigration enforcement efforts in Montana.
In February 2025, the attorney general signed a 287(g) agreement with the Trump administration. The agreement allows cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration officials in certain enforcement activities.
Knudsen has also taken action in several disputes involving local governments and immigration policies.
Earlier this year, he exercised supervisory control involving Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell after a disagreement regarding the sharing of confidential criminal justice information with ICE for civil immigration enforcement purposes.
In a separate matter, Knudsen launched an investigation after the Helena City Commission approved a resolution that would have limited local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. State officials argued the proposal conflicted with Montana law. Following the controversy, Helena city commissioners later rescinded the resolution.
Supporters of the Secure America Act say the legislation would provide federal agencies with the resources needed to continue immigration enforcement and border security operations while ensuring that funding remains available over the long term.
The coalition is now urging Congress to move quickly on the measure and place the legislation before President Trump for consideration.
