WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security appears to have removed from its website a list of what the agency called “sanctuary jurisdictions defying federal immigration law.”

The list, published last week, included Campbell, Franklin, Jefferson and Scott Counties and the city of Louisville.

On Monday, the list was no longer on the DHS website.

What You Need To Know

  • DHS appears to have removed from its website a list of what the agency called “sanctuary jurisdictions defying federal immigration law"

  • The list, published last week, included Campbell, Franklin, Jefferson and Scott Counties and the city of Louisville

  • Mayor Craig Greenberg said that during President Donald Trump’s first term, the Justice Department confirmed Louisville was not a sanctuary jurisdiction

  • Scott County Judge Executive Joe Pat Covington said Scott County was inaccurately listed as a “sanctuary jurisdiction"

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, appearing on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” did not explain what happened to the list.

“That list, going forward, some of the cities have pushed back,” Noem said. “They think because they don’t have one law or another on the books that they don’t qualify, but they do qualify. They are giving sanctuary to criminals.”

Sanctuary cities limit their employees from cooperating with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws, primarily to protect undocumented immigrants.

In a news conference last week after DHS published its list, Mayor Craig Greenberg, D-Louisville, said that during President Donald Trump’s first term, the Justice Department confirmed Louisville was not a sanctuary jurisdiction.

“There have been no changes in our immigration policies or practices since that time,” Greenberg said.

A spokesperson for Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Crescent Springs, told Spectrum News in a statement last week that it was “surprising” to see Campbell County included on the list.

“We have asked the department to provide us with an explanation of this decision,” the spokesperson said.

Scott County Judge Executive Joe Pat Covington said in a statement last week that the Scott County Fiscal Court “has never passed any ordinances, regulations, resolutions, policies, or other practices that obstruct immigration enforcement or shield criminals from ICE.”

“I have confirmed with DHS officials in Louisville today that the report listing Scott County as non-compliant or uncooperative is inaccurate, and they are working to correct the status with DHS in Washington,” he said.

Spectrum News asked DHS why the list was removed, and why some Kentucky jurisdictions were included on it.

A DHS spokesperson said in a statement that the designation is based on factors including “self-identification as a sanctuary jurisdiction, noncompliance with Federal law enforcement in enforcing immigration laws, restrictions on information sharing, and legal protections for illegal aliens."

"The list is actively reviewed, will be regularly updated, and can be changed at any time," the spokesperson said. 

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