In response to a letter offering MetraPark as a possible detention facility for illegal immigrant criminals, Yellowstone County Commissioner Mark Morse expressed his willingness to house detainees at various buildings on the campus. The offer was made in light of President Trump’s national emergency declaration at the southern border. Morse stated that some of these individuals are already in Montana and on Native American reservations in Yellowstone County.
The proposal was met with mixed reactions from residents, with some showing support for the effort to address illegal immigration, while others raised concerns about potential issues and costs associated with housing detainees. Some residents criticized Morse’s letter as being politically motivated, although Morse insisted that his focus is on improving the community.
Details about converting MetraPark for detention purposes are scarce, and other local officials declined to comment on the proposal. U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke commended the commissioners for their solution, while Billings Mayor Bill Cole stated that the city was not involved in the offer. Sheriff Mike Linder also noted that he had just learned about the proposal and could not provide further insight.
Overall, Morse emphasized that his intention is to assist if needed and that any decision to use MetraPark for detention would require further discussion among the commissioners. The situation remains uncertain until the federal government signals its interest in utilizing the facilities at MetraPark for this purpose.
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