Hold the powerful accountable.
Federal immigration activity in Montana: help us hold federal officials accountable to the rule of law
In the last two weeks of September, because of Upper Seven’s work, 40 people that the federal government has illegally arrested without warrant and without cause have been released from detention and allowed to return to their families. We continue to pursue the release of individuals in similar circumstances.
How did we get here? After seeking the release of several individuals on a person by person basis, in early August, Upper Seven filed a class habeas action to seek the release of people arrested and detained by federal immigration agents in violation of federal law.
Even though federal courts across the country (including in Montana), have ruled that immigration arrests like these are illegal, federal agents continue to arrest people without a warrant and without first making the legally required determination that they are likely to flee.
On Friday, September 25, we filed a second class action to stop federal immigration agents from making illegal arrests in the first place.
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In the last year, in addition to federal immigration law and due process rights, our cases have enforced the Montana Constitution’s right to vote, right to know, right to participate, rights to equal protection and dignity, and right to quality education. We’ve also challenged the governor and the legislature’s failure to follow basic procedural rules set forth in the Montana Constitution and we’ve challenged laws that violate the First Amendment. We cover a lot of ground, certainly, but the theme is simple: enforce the rule of law to bolster resilient institutions that serve our constitutional democracy and a stable, free society.
Your support makes this work possible. We are grateful for every contribution, every volunteer, and every kind word.
Join us. Help us. Thank you.
Federal Agents. Neri/Minnesota Reformer
Show your support!
Donations to Upper Seven Law are tax deductible.
You can also mail your tax deductible donation here:
P.O. Box 31, Helena, MT 59624-0031
Please make checks payable to "Upper Seven Law"
EIN 86-1632816
Who we are
Upper Seven Law is a 501(c)(3) Montana-based nonprofit law firm dedicated to holding the powerful accountable.
All donations are tax deductible.
What we do
We enforce the Montana Constitution through litigation and education. We sue governments and corporations on behalf of individuals and organizations. We represent David against Goliath. We are Montana’s unicorn of law firms.
We believe that the law must apply equally to all people and that the consistent, just enforcement of the rule of law serves the interests of a safe and resilient society.
How we do it
Upper Seven has two litigation practice areas.
Our Watchdog Group sues governments when they violate the Montana or federal constitutions. This work involves challenging unconstitutional conduct and unconstitutional laws and unconstitutional arrests.
Our Moonshot Practice brings hard to bring cases that need to be brought. We’ve sued news organizations that have defamed individuals, researched and referred out cases that relate to monopolistic practices in industry, and we’re suing the federal government over an unconstitutional federal program that no one before us has managed to attack successfully—but we have, and we continue to chip away at it.
Upper Seven has one education initiative.
The Montana Constitution Roadshow travels across Montana to present to audiences of all backgrounds, political affiliations, and interests. We’ve been from Eureka to Ekalaka and back again. We can’t wait to see you next time we’re in your neighborhood.
