LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced Thursday evening Louisville was one of more than 600 municipalities across the U.S. accused of obstructing immigration enforcement. 

The federal government called these locations “sanctuary jurisdictions," alleging they were undermining the rule of law. 

“I want to be very clear: immigrants are vital to our culture, to our neighborhoods, to our economy," said Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville. "And I am so proud that so many immigrants have chosen Louisville as their home." 

The DHS accused the city of not complying with federal immigration enforcement, despite Greenberg saying seven years ago, that was not the case. 

“In 2018, the U.S. Department of Justice under President [Donald] Trump confirmed that Louisville was not a sanctuary jurisdiction," he said. "And there have been no changes to our immigration policies or practices since that time.”

Louisville Metro Councilman Anthony Piagentini, R-District 19, who is also Minority Caucus chair, said it must be a top priority for the city to stay in compliance with federal law.

He said failure to do so could be costly.

“Potentially, there are tens of millions of dollars of federal grants that come to the city of Louisville that could be at risk if we are not in compliance with any aspect of federal, including immigration law,” he said.

Catholic Charities of Louisville, an organization that helps refugees get settled within the city, declined to comment on the implications of the DHS’s statement.

Greenberg said Louisville residents who may feel concerned by DHS' announcement said it's likely the same feeling residents from cities all over the country feel as they look for clarity on the situation. He added the Louisville Metro Police Department's primary focus is on curtailing violent crime in the city regardless of who's committing it.