A Flathead-based immigration advocacy organization is suing the state of Montana to block a 2025 law that allows law enforcement to check the immigration status of individuals during routine stops, like when someone is pulled over for a traffic violation.

House Bill 278 , brought by Rep. Nelly Nicol, R-Billings , expands law enforcement’s purview during stops, enabling officers to “make a reasonable attempt, upon reasonable suspicion and when practicable, to determine the immigration status of the person.”

The law took effect Wednesday.

In the lawsuit filed Tuesday by Valley Neighbors of the Flathead in Lewis and Clark County District Court, Upper Seven Law, a nonprofit law firm based in Helena, argued that the law violates the Montana Constitution.

The lawsuit maintains that prol

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