Mayor Greenberg Addresses ICE Arrest Claims of Migrants in Louisville

Key Takeaways

• Mayor Greenberg addressed June 17 claims of ICE arrests at Louisville’s ISAP office amid protests and calls for transparency.
• ICE arrested 81 people statewide in March 2025, with 25 charged with felonies; new tactics include detaining migrants at check-ins.
• Louisville is not a sanctuary city, maintains 2018 policy, and awaits DHS guidance on federal immigration enforcement changes.

Mayor Greenberg Addresses ICE Arrests of Migrants in Louisville: Community Response, Policy, and What’s Next

Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How

On June 17, 2025, Mayor Craig Greenberg publicly addressed growing claims that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is arresting migrants in Louisville, Kentucky 🇺🇸. The focus is on the ISAP (Intensive Supervision Appearance Program) office on South 3rd Street, where migrants are required to attend regular check-ins as part of their immigration process. These claims have sparked protests, community concern, and calls for transparency from both local leaders and advocacy groups. The situation highlights the tension between federal immigration enforcement and local government policy, as well as the real-life impact on immigrant families in Louisville.

What Sparked the Controversy?

The controversy began when activists and community members reported seeing people in handcuffs being led from the ISAP office into unmarked vehicles on June 4 and June 10, 2025. Photos were shared by advocacy groups, but these claims have not yet been independently confirmed by media outlets. The reports quickly spread, leading to rallies and protests outside the ISAP office and in downtown Louisville. Local residents, activists, and some Metro Council members have joined together, demanding answers and protection for immigrants.

Mayor Greenberg’s Response: Support for Immigrants and Peaceful Protest

At a press conference on June 17, Mayor Greenberg responded directly to these concerns. He stated that the city is aware of the claims and is closely monitoring the situation. Mayor Greenberg emphasized that Louisville values its immigrant community and supports the right to peaceful protest. He also stressed that the city will not tolerate violence and that all recent protests have remained peaceful.

Mayor Greenberg shared his own family’s immigrant background, highlighting the importance of immigrants to Louisville’s cultural and economic life. He said, “Immigrants are part of the fabric of our city. Their contributions make Louisville stronger, and we stand with them.”

Louisville’s Policy on Federal Immigration Enforcement

Mayor Greenberg clarified that Louisville is not a sanctuary city. This means the city does not have policies that actively block cooperation with federal immigration authorities, but it also does not go out of its way to help with federal immigration enforcement. The city’s policy has not changed since 2018, when it was officially clarified. Mayor Greenberg said the city has not received any new guidance from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and will not change its approach unless more information is provided.

He explained, “Our policy remains the same. We have not received new instructions from DHS, and we will continue to monitor the situation. We are committed to the safety and rights of all our residents.”

ICE Enforcement Actions: What’s Happening in Louisville and Nationally

ICE confirmed that it carried out a targeted enforcement operation in Kentucky 🇺🇸 from March 10 to March 14, 2025. During this operation, 81 people were arrested statewide, including 25 individuals charged with felony criminal offenses. The operation involved several federal agencies and included arrests in Louisville.

Nationally, ICE has changed its tactics. The agency now often makes arrests at immigration courts and ISAP offices, detaining people immediately after their hearings or check-ins. This is part of an effort to meet a new 3,000-person daily arrest quota set by the Trump administration. ICE is also using expedited removal procedures more often. This means that people who entered the United States 🇺🇸 illegally within the past two years can be quickly deported, sometimes without a full hearing. Some of these individuals had previously been allowed to stay temporarily under the CBP One app during the Biden administration.

Community Response: Protests, Advocacy, and Calls for Transparency

The reports of arrests at the ISAP office have led to a strong response from the community. Protests and rallies have taken place outside the ISAP office and in downtown Louisville. Activist groups such as Showing Up For Racial Justice Louisville and the Louisville Community Defense Network are leading these efforts. They have set up support hotlines and are demanding an end to ICE detentions at routine check-ins.

Some Metro Council members have joined the protests and are calling for the city to do more to resist ICE tactics. They argue that the city should take a stronger stand to protect immigrants and prevent family separations.

Photographic Evidence and Ongoing Investigation

Activists have shared photos that they say show people being handcuffed and taken from the ISAP office into unmarked vehicles. These incidents reportedly took place on June 4 and June 10, 2025. However, these claims have not yet been independently verified by journalists or media outlets. Mayor Greenberg has said the city is looking into the reports and will share more information as it becomes available.

What Happens at an ISAP Check-In?

To understand why these arrests are causing so much concern, it’s important to know what happens at an ISAP check-in:

1. Migrants report to the ISAP office at scheduled times as a condition of their release while their immigration cases are ongoing.
2. They are monitored through electronic tracking, regular check-ins, and sometimes home visits.
3. Under new ICE tactics, some people are detained at these check-ins without warning and placed into ICE custody for expedited removal or further legal proceedings.

For many migrants, these check-ins are a requirement to stay in compliance with immigration authorities. The risk of being detained during a routine appointment creates fear and uncertainty, making some people afraid to attend their check-ins at all.

Quantitative Data: Arrests and Enforcement Numbers

• 81 people arrested in Kentucky 🇺🇸 during March 2025 ICE operation
• 25 of those arrested were charged with felonies
• Activists report multiple arrests at the Louisville ISAP office on June 4 and June 10, 2025 (exact numbers not confirmed)
• ICE reported national arrest numbers exceeding 2,000 per day during recent enforcement surges

Key Stakeholders: Who’s Involved and What Do They Want?

Legal and Policy Analysis: What Experts Are Saying

Legal experts, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association, have criticized the new ICE tactics. They argue that arresting people at required check-ins or court hearings undermines due process and bypasses the legal system. This raises concerns about fairness and the rule of law.

ICE officials, on the other hand, say these operations are necessary for public safety and national security. They point out that many of those arrested have criminal charges and that ICE is following federal law.

Community leaders stress that these enforcement actions have a chilling effect on immigrant communities. They say that fear of detention discourages people from complying with legal requirements and erodes trust in local institutions.

Background: Louisville’s Policy and National Trends

Louisville has not been a sanctuary city since 2018. This means the city does not have policies that block cooperation with federal immigration authorities, but it also does not actively help ICE with enforcement. The Trump administration has listed Louisville among nearly 600 cities that it says “undermine the rule of law,” but the city has not changed its stance or policies in response.

Nationally, ICE has shifted its focus to arresting migrants at places where they are required to show up, such as courts and check-in offices. In the past, these locations were often considered “sensitive” and were usually avoided for enforcement actions. The new approach is part of an effort to meet higher arrest quotas.

Impact on Migrants and Families

For migrants, the risk of being detained at a routine check-in creates fear and uncertainty. Many worry about being separated from their families or losing their chance to have their case heard in court. Some may even avoid check-ins, which can lead to more legal trouble and possible deportation.

Families are feeling the impact as well. Detentions have led to family separations and community distress, as seen in recent rallies and personal stories shared by those affected. Children, in particular, are at risk of emotional harm when a parent is suddenly taken into custody.

Implications for the City of Louisville

Louisville is caught between pressure from federal authorities and demands from local advocates. Because the city is not a sanctuary city, it is not actively resisting ICE, but Mayor Greenberg has not indicated any move toward greater cooperation or policy change. The city’s approach could change if new guidance comes from DHS or if local political pressure increases.

What Are the Next Steps?

• Mayor Greenberg has said there are no immediate changes to city policy, but he is waiting for more information from DHS.
• Local and national advocacy groups are likely to step up their efforts, including legal challenges, public demonstrations, and support services for affected families.
• ICE is expected to continue and possibly expand its current tactics, especially as national arrest quotas remain in effect.

Practical Guidance for Migrants and Families

If you or someone you know is required to attend an ISAP check-in or has concerns about ICE enforcement:

• Know your rights: You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer if you are detained.
• Contact support hotlines: The Louisville Community Defense Network offers a 24/7 hotline for immigrants facing ICE encounters. Contact details are available through local advocacy groups.
• Stay informed: Check the Louisville Metro Government website for official statements and updates on city policy.
• Report concerns: The ICE Tip Line (866-DHS-2-ICE) is available for reporting crimes or suspicious activity.

For more information about ICE enforcement and removal operations, you can visit the official ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations page.

Multiple Perspectives: Voices from the Community

• Mayor Greenberg: “We are committed to the safety and rights of all our residents. Immigrants are part of our city’s fabric.”
• Activists: “We demand an end to ICE detentions at check-ins. These actions are tearing families apart.”
• ICE Officials: “Our operations are necessary for public safety. We are following federal law and removing individuals who pose threats.”
• Metro Council Members: “The city should do more to protect immigrants and resist harmful enforcement tactics.”
• Immigrant Families: “We live in fear every day. We just want to stay together and have a chance to build a better life.”

Looking Ahead: What Could Change?

The situation in Louisville is still developing. Mayor Greenberg has not announced any immediate policy changes, but he is waiting for more information from DHS. Local advocacy groups are likely to continue their efforts, and ICE is expected to keep up its enforcement actions. The city’s approach could shift if federal guidance changes or if local political pressure grows.

Summary and Takeaways

• Mayor Greenberg has reaffirmed Louisville’s support for immigrants and the right to peaceful protest, while maintaining the city’s current policy on federal cooperation.
• ICE has confirmed recent enforcement operations in Kentucky 🇺🇸, including Louisville, and is using new tactics to detain migrants at routine check-ins and court appearances.
• Community concern is high, with protests, advocacy, and calls for greater city resistance to ICE tactics.
• The situation remains dynamic, with ongoing advocacy, legal scrutiny, and the potential for future policy changes as both local and national pressures evolve.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the events in Louisville reflect a broader national trend of increased immigration enforcement at required points of contact, raising important questions about due process, community trust, and the future of local-federal cooperation on immigration.

For More Information

• ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations
• Louisville Metro Government
• ICE Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423)
• Louisville Community Defense Network: Contact details via local advocacy groups

Staying informed and knowing your rights are the best ways to protect yourself and your family during these uncertain times. The situation in Louisville is a reminder of how immigration policy decisions can have real, immediate effects on people’s lives, and why ongoing dialogue and transparency are so important for everyone involved.

Learn Today

ISAP → Intensive Supervision Appearance Program requiring migrants to regularly check in during immigration proceedings.
Expedited Removal → A rapid deportation process for recent illegal entrants without a full hearing.
Sanctuary City → City limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect immigrants.
Felony → A serious crime often punishable by imprisonment over one year, impacting immigration consequences.
DHS → Department of Homeland Security, the federal agency overseeing immigration and border enforcement.

This Article in a Nutshell

Mayor Greenberg responded to ICE arrest claims in Louisville, stressing immigrant support and peaceful protests. ICE confirmed statewide arrests in March. Louisville keeps its non-sanctuary policy but faces community calls for stronger immigrant protections amid rising enforcement tactics and family separations.
— By VisaVerge.com