On July 22, 2025, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced a major change to the city’s immigration detainer policy. This decision came after the Department of Justice (DOJ) warned the city that its previous policy could lead to a lawsuit and the loss of hundreds of millions in federal grants. The city will now honor federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 48-hour detainer requests, reversing a policy that had limited cooperation with federal immigration enforcement since 2017.
This policy shift has immediate effects for immigrants, city officials, and the broader community. It also highlights the ongoing national debate about how local governments should work with federal immigration authorities. The move has drawn strong reactions from government leaders, immigrant rights groups, and legal experts.
Why Did Louisville Change Its Immigration Detainer Policy?
The change in Louisville’s immigration detainer policy was triggered by a letter from U.S. Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, sent on June 25, 2025. The letter stated that Louisville’s previous policy violated federal law. It warned that the city could face a lawsuit and lose vital federal funding if it did not comply with federal immigration requests.
The Department of Justice’s threat was clear: either Louisville changed its policy or risked losing money that supports food, rental assistance, and medical care for the city’s most vulnerable residents. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the DOJ has used similar tactics with other cities that have “sanctuary” policies, putting pressure on local leaders to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
What Was Louisville’s Previous Policy?
In 2017, Louisville adopted an ordinance that limited how much the city would help federal immigration authorities. The main points of the old policy included:
- The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) could not arrest people just for immigration violations unless there was a criminal warrant from a federal judge.
- City employees were not allowed to ask about someone’s immigration status unless it was necessary to provide services.
- The city would only give ICE 5–12 hours’ notice before releasing someone from jail, which often meant ICE could not pick up the person in time.
This approach was meant to protect immigrants from being detained or deported for minor offenses. It also aimed to build trust between immigrant communities and local police, so people would feel safe reporting crimes or seeking help.
What Does the New Policy Require?
Under the new policy, the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections (LMDC) will:
- Hold individuals arrested for crimes and subject to ICE detainers for up to 48 hours after their scheduled release. This gives ICE more time to take custody of the person.
- Continue to prohibit police officers from asking about immigration status unless it is needed to provide services.
- Keep the LMPD focused on public safety and violent crime prevention, not on enforcing immigration laws.
This change brings Louisville’s policy in line with federal expectations and reduces the risk of losing federal funding. The LMDC will start following the new detainer policy “as soon as practical,” according to city officials.
Louisville adopted the previous immigration detainer policy
Department of Homeland Security added Louisville to its list of ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions
Letter from U.S. Assistant Attorney General warning Louisville about its immigration policy
Louisville Mayor announces change to immigration detainer policy
New policy officially takes effect
Key Statements from Stakeholders
Mayor Craig Greenberg explained the decision by saying, “We made this change to protect city funding and avoid the possibility of mass immigration raids. At the same time, we remain committed to supporting our immigrant community.”
U.S. Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate said the previous policy “impeded lawful federal immigration operations” and broke the law. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the reversal a “major victory” for the DOJ and urged other cities to follow Louisville’s example.
Some Republican lawmakers in the Kentucky State Legislature have pushed for a statewide ban on sanctuary policies, but such a law has not passed.
On the other hand, the ACLU of Kentucky and other immigrant rights groups strongly criticized the new policy. They argue that holding people for ICE increases the risk of wrongful detention and damages trust between immigrants and law enforcement.
How Does This Affect Immigrants in Louisville?
For immigrants, the new policy means that anyone arrested for a crime and subject to an ICE detainer can be held for up to two extra days after their scheduled release. This increases the chance that ICE will start deportation proceedings against them.
Immigrant rights groups warn that this policy could lead to:
- More people being deported for minor offenses.
- Families being separated.
- Immigrants being less likely to report crimes or cooperate with police, out of fear they could be detained.
Civil liberties advocates also worry about the risk of wrongful detention. If someone is held for ICE but is not actually subject to a valid detainer, they could spend extra time in jail without good reason.
Impact on City Funding and Services
One of the main reasons for the policy change was to protect federal funding. Louisville relies on hundreds of millions of dollars in grants from the federal government. This money pays for important services like:
- Food assistance programs
- Rental help for families in need
- Medical care for people without insurance
If the city had lost this funding, many vulnerable residents would have suffered. Mayor Greenberg said the decision was not easy, but it was necessary to keep these services running.
Law Enforcement’s Role
The new policy draws a clear line between the roles of the police and the corrections department:
- The LMPD will not participate in immigration enforcement. Officers will keep focusing on public safety and violent crime.
- The LMDC will cooperate with ICE detainer requests by holding people for up to 48 hours after their scheduled release.
This approach tries to balance the demands of federal law with the city’s commitment to public safety and community trust.
Reactions from Advocacy Groups and the Community
The ACLU of Kentucky and other advocacy groups have spoken out against the policy change. They argue that:
- The policy undermines trust between immigrants and law enforcement.
- It could lead to racial profiling, where people are targeted because of how they look or speak.
- It increases the risk of holding people in jail longer than necessary, which can violate their rights.
These groups are urging the city to find other ways to protect both public safety and the rights of immigrants.
What Does This Mean for Other Cities?
Louisville’s experience is part of a larger national debate about “sanctuary” policies. The DOJ and Attorney General Bondi have made it clear that they will use legal threats and the risk of losing funding to push other cities to cooperate with ICE.
Other cities, including New York, Chicago, and some in Colorado, are facing similar pressure. Court cases about these issues are still ongoing, and the outcomes could affect how cities across the United States 🇺🇸 handle immigration enforcement in the future.
Possible Solutions and Next Steps
While the new policy is now in effect, there are steps that city leaders, advocates, and community members can take to address concerns:
- Legal Support: Immigrants who are detained under the new policy should seek legal help right away. Organizations like the ACLU of Kentucky can provide advice and support.
- Know Your Rights: Community groups can help immigrants understand their rights if they are stopped by police or held in jail.
- Community Dialogue: City officials can hold meetings with immigrant communities to explain the policy and listen to concerns. This can help rebuild trust and ensure that everyone feels safe reporting crimes or seeking help.
- Monitor Policy Impact: Advocacy groups and city leaders should track how the new policy affects immigrants and the broader community. If problems arise, they can push for changes or new protections.
Background: Sanctuary Policies and Federal Pressure
Sanctuary policies are local rules that limit how much cities and police departments help federal immigration authorities. Supporters say these policies:
- Help build trust between immigrants and police.
- Make communities safer by encouraging everyone to report crimes.
- Protect people from being detained or deported for minor offenses.
Opponents argue that sanctuary policies:
- Make it harder for ICE to enforce immigration laws.
- Allow people who have committed crimes to avoid deportation.
- Violate federal law.
The Trump administration and now the DOJ under Attorney General Bondi have used the threat of lawsuits and funding cuts to push cities to drop sanctuary policies. In May 2025, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) added Louisville to its list of “sanctuary” jurisdictions, increasing federal scrutiny.
Summary Table: Louisville Immigration Detainer Policy (as of July 22, 2025)
| Policy Aspect | Pre-July 2025 Policy | Post-July 22, 2025 Policy |
|---|---|---|
| ICE Detainer Holds | 5–12 hours notice, not honored | 48-hour holds honored |
| LMPD Role in Immigration | No enforcement | No enforcement |
| City Employee Inquiry | Restricted | Restricted |
| Federal Funding Risk | High | Reduced |
| Community Impact | Less ICE cooperation | Increased ICE cooperation |
What Should Immigrants and Families Do Now?
If you or a loved one is affected by the new policy, here are some steps to consider:
- Contact a lawyer: Legal experts can help you understand your rights and options if you are held for an ICE detainer.
- Stay informed: Follow updates from the city and advocacy groups about any changes to the policy.
- Know your rights: Learn what to do if you are stopped by police or immigration authorities. Many organizations offer free “know your rights” workshops.
- Reach out for help: Groups like the ACLU of Kentucky and local immigrant support organizations can provide assistance and information.
Where to Find More Information
For official updates and details about the new policy, visit the Louisville Metro Government’s website. You can also contact the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections for questions about detainer holds.
If you need legal support or want to get involved in advocacy, the ACLU of Kentucky is a good resource.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Louisville and Other Cities?
The change in Louisville’s immigration detainer policy shows how federal pressure can shape local decisions. While the city hopes to protect its funding and avoid legal trouble, the new policy raises serious questions about civil rights and community trust.
Other cities across the United States 🇺🇸 are watching closely. The DOJ’s actions in Louisville may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled elsewhere. Kentucky’s state legislature may also revisit proposals to ban sanctuary policies statewide, though no immediate changes are expected.
Mayor Greenberg has promised to keep supporting Louisville’s immigrant community, even as the city follows the new rules. The debate over immigration enforcement, local control, and federal authority is far from over.
Actionable Takeaways
- For immigrants: Know your rights, seek legal help if detained, and stay connected with community organizations.
- For city officials: Communicate clearly with residents, monitor the impact of the new policy, and work to maintain trust with all communities.
- For advocates: Continue to provide support, track policy effects, and push for fair treatment of immigrants.
As the situation develops, staying informed and involved will be key for everyone affected by these changes. For the latest updates and resources, visit the official Louisville Metro Government website or reach out to local advocacy groups.
Learn Today
Immigration Detainer → A federal request to hold a person up to 48 hours pending ICE custody transfer.
ICE → Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and detaining individuals.
Sanctuary Policy → Local rules limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect immigrant communities.
Department of Justice (DOJ) → Federal agency responsible for enforcing the law and administering justice, including immigration enforcement.
Federal Grants → Government funds provided to cities for programs like food assistance and medical care.
This Article in a Nutshell
Louisville changed its immigration detainer policy after DOJ warnings to protect federal funding. The city now honors ICE’s 48-hour holds, balancing legal compliance with immigrant community support amid national sanctuary policy debates.
— By VisaVerge.com
