NOTE: Story updated with statement from City of Bozeman, Bozeman Police Department, see below.
Bozeman Public Schools Superintendent Casey Bertram issued the following statement to MTN News today, refuting posts on social media sites claiming that an emergency meeting was held regarding immigration enforcement:
"Bozeman Public Schools has not held any "emergency" meetings regarding immigration enforcement. The District has proactively engaged in administrative training and building level staff discussions related to heightened angst locally and nationally on the immigration enforcement topic. The focus of the staff discussions have been to clearly articulate that we have no evidence of, or information that would lead us to believe that immigration enforcement would ever happen at our school sites, and to clearly articulate the proactive procedures should that situation arise in the future. Additionally, the purpose of the discussions is to compassionately address the reality that immigration enforcement fears are real and impacting our school community. We are a district with a fast growing multilingual English learner population and we care deeply about the safety and well-being of all BSD7 students and families."
The statement follows a post from Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer earlier this week titled "Above the Noise," addressing law and immigration enforcement.
In the statement, Sheriff Springer said there were "social media posts stating ICE had pulled someone over while describing this Captain's vehicle and time of traffic stop."
"I recognize that there are people who are concerned," said the Sheriff. "I'm concerned in many ways as well."
The Sheriff said the statement followed a routine arrest in Gallatin County that was recorded and labeled on social media as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity.
Your Sheriff’s Office has been in contact with multiple federal agencies responsible for immigration enforcement in our state. They have confirmed there are no current ICE-related operations planned in Gallatin County. These dangerous rumors are patently false!
He acknowledged that some people may have concerns about immigration enforcement and what they are seeing in parts of the country.
"The concerns are legitimate," said the Sheriff. "We struggle with it too, and understanding what tactics they're trying to employ."
Sheriff Springer explained Gallatin County's policy with federal agencies, including ICE.
"They usually reach out to us and let what they're doing; it's usually very surgical," he said. "Our role is to make sure the public is safe, we're safe, and they're safe."
WATCH: Gallatin County Sheriff addresses social media speculation about recent traffic stop (Jan. 28, 2026)
UPDATE: 1-30-2026, 5 p.m. - Gallatin County Sheriff Dan Springer issued this statement to MTN News:
Statement Regarding Rumors of ICE Activity in Gallatin County
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is aware of numerous community organizations perpetuating unsubstantiated reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is active or will be active in our community and schools. To date, there is no credible information to suggest these rumors are factual.
Your Sheriff’s Office has been in contact with multiple federal agencies responsible for immigration enforcement in our state. They have confirmed there are no current ICE-related operations planned in Gallatin County. These dangerous rumors are patently false!
The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to the safety and well-being of all citizens in our county. We encourage our community members to rely on verified information from official sources and avoid spreading misinformation that can cause unnecessary concern or harm.
UPDATE: 1-30-2026, 4 p.m. - The Bozeman Police Department posted this statement to social media:
"The City of Bozeman and the Bozeman Police Department (BPD) are monitoring events taking place around the country related to federal immigration enforcement. We, like many of our residents, are concerned by how it could impact our community, trust in public safety, and the safety of our law enforcement professionals. During these tense times, we wanted to remind residents that we’re committed to keeping Bozeman safe and protecting the constitutional rights of every person who lives, works, and visits our city.
While BPD has worked with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for decades to address drug trafficking, child exploitation and other serious crimes, the BPD does not have a 287(g) agreement with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These agreements delegate state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions under ICE’s direction and oversight.
The BPD is not involved in civil immigration enforcement. We will not assist or participate in civil immigration enforcement, nor will BPD take extra steps to determine an individual’s immigration status. If federal agencies operate within Bozeman solely related to federal immigration enforcement, BPD will prioritize responding to ensure public safety. We cannot interfere with federal agencies lawfully performing their duties, but it is our duty to ensure public safety.
The public can expect BPD to continue to treat everyone we contact equally and with respect regardless of immigration status. We will continue to investigate and enforce Bozeman municipal codes and the laws of the State of Montana. We will warn, cite or arrest based solely on the facts of a criminal investigation. When our officers respond they will be in uniform, unmasked and their name and badge clearly visible.
Our department uses both marked and unmarked police vehicles and while general patrol officer duties are not the primary use of unmarked vehicles, BPD officers are expected to take law enforcement action if, and when, they observe criminal activity. Officers taking enforcement action in unmarked vehicles will be clearly identifiable, wearing a BPD issued vest with unobstructed “POLICE” markings. If you are confronted by someone who doesn’t appear to be clearly identifiable as law enforcement, do not hesitate to call 911.
We recognize this current period of instability and heightened tension places significant strain on the public and underscores the need for open communication, professionalism, and respect for constitutional principles. In times of uncertainty, we encourage everyone to come together as a community and look out for one another. Thank you to our residents for continuing to gather peacefully and letting your voices be heard. If you have questions or concerns about this or any issue, please feel free to reach out to us."
