2024 MT Governor's race: on Immigration

Tanner Smith: If Federal Government won't enforce immigration laws, I will

• August 27: Immigration, legal or illegal, continues to be a complex and sensitive topic. Strict illegal immigration policies are implemented by government to protect national security, maintain social order, and preserve economic stability. While these policies aim to address legitimate concerns, I will serve to protect us from wrongful immigration policies. "If the Federal Government won't enforce immigration laws I will".
• August 11: Week 1 as Governor I'll declare a State of Emergency with regards to our overcrowded County Jails. We then can clear out the jails and move these addicts, illegals and repeat criminal offenders to a separate facility where we can stack them deep. We can do this humanely, with dignity and continue the due process system. Our local law enforcement men and women need help. This will help morale, aid in recruiting and minimize the wave of retirements from our valued seasoned professionals. Montana needs to be a law and order state again.

Ryan Busse: Leave immigration as federal policy; not for governor

Immigration: How to handle immigration?
• Ryan Busse (D): Unclear. Says immigration is matter of federal policy: "The governor of Montana [can't] impact that federal law-making process directly."
• Greg Gianforte (R): With nine Republican governors, offered a 10-point plan for securing the border. Said the state may need to step in if the federal government fails to enforce immigration laws. In 2024, directed Montana National Guard to help Texas with border security.

Ryan Busse: Must have a secure border, but this is a federal issue