Increase in illegal immigration harming the Flathead Valley

Having lived in this community my entire life, I grew up watching many people move here from all parts of the world. We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world that has so much to offer.

I have watched many folks who legally came to the Flathead to work or visit take the steps required by law to gain legal citizenship. They worked hard, contributed to society and have become cornerstones of the great community we are privileged to be a part of. Oftentimes, one of  their greatest accomplishments and honors has been receiving their United States citizenship. In fact,  a handful of my deputies have accomplished this same goal, and I am honored to serve with them. 

Over the past two years, the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in contacts with  individuals who have no residency status in the U.S. Handling calls for service involving undocumented individuals has presented my office with new challenges that do not yet have acceptable solutions. We are challenged with the inability to accurately identify people or their true legal status and are often unable to determine ownership of vehicles or the validity of driver’s licenses.