Two Helena residents used public comment time at the March 23 City Commission meeting to challenge what they described as a non-transparent push to repeal a citizen-led immigration resolution — one adopted in January with nearly 300 people in the room and 200 more watching online.

Speaker Lily Clark, a 59601 zip code resident, alleged that unnamed city staff are recommending full repeal of the resolution despite the city having defended it as recently as February, and before any legal analysis has been completed or the state has formally responded to the city's information request. Clark called out Commissioner Sean Logan by name, warning that ignoring constituent voices is what puts Helena at legal and political risk. She also cited the city's litigation fund history — its liability fund doubled from $65,000 in 2021 to $147,000 in 2022 — arguing the decision to repeal is one of values, not fiscal caution. Clark said Mayor Dean had not responded to multiple requests for a conversation.

A second speaker, Ashley Fischer, questioned the reasoning of an outside attorney — whose identity she said was disclosed by City Attorney Rebecca Doctor at a Wednesday meeting — who reportedly recommended full removal of the resolution rather than targeted amendments. Fischer noted the Montana Attorney General had only flagged two specific sections, sections two and three, making a full repeal recommendation appear disproportionate. She called a potential repeal 'a slap in the face to Helena's residents, the HPD, and the city attorney.'

The commission did not respond substantively to either speaker at the March 23 meeting, with City Attorney Doctor deferring all discussion of the resolution to a special meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 26 at 5:00 p.m. at the Civic Center.