New immigration rules spark fear and uncertainty in Louisville communities

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- New immigration rules now allow federal agents to enter schools, churches, and hospitals to enforce immigration laws—places that were previously off-limits.

President Donald Trump's administration issued the new rules for Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday. The move reverses guidance that for over a decade has restricted two key federal immigration agencies from carrying out immigration enforcement in sensitive locations, including churches, schools, day care centers and hospitals.

The policy shift has caused anxiety across Louisville’s immigrant communities, where the constant threat of immigration officers looms large. Fears of mass deportations under the new administration weigh heavily on residents.

"I think it is starting to get into people's heads a little bit," said Raul Galvin, who helps run his family’s grocery store. "People don’t expect it to happen, and they don’t want it to happen, but I feel like it is possible."

A family business with a heavy burden

Raul, 22, and his brother Omar Galvin have spent their entire lives working in their parents’ grocery store. Their parents were undocumented when they first came to the United States.

As a precaution, Raul Galvin has printed red cards detailing legal rights for undocumented individuals in case immigration officers show up.

"I was printing out handouts that explain rights, and I put them on our windows so people would know," he explained. "Not a lot of people know their rights, and they could get intimidated or scared if someone comes knocking aggressively."

Community voices and growing concerns

Victor, a U.S.-born friend of the Galvins raised in Mexico, said his friends are deeply worried about the new immigration rules.

"They’re worried," Omar Galvin translated for Victor. "Some of his friends are even talking about leaving the country. He’s scared he might never see them again."

Victor’s concern is shared by others in the community who feel the weight of increasingly harsh rhetoric surrounding immigration.

"I feel like what they’re doing is dehumanizing," Omar Galvin said. "People on the news say immigrants just commit crimes and don’t pay taxes, but that’s definitely not true. Immigrants contribute a lot, and they’re not leeching off the system."

A lifetime under a cloud of fear

For young men like Raul, Omar, and Victor, the uncertainty surrounding immigration policies is nothing new. However, the recent changes have amplified their worries, fueled by news reports and social media discourse.

"These laws are making it harder for people to feel safe, even in their own communities," said Omar Galvin. "It’s not just about the laws—it’s about the way they make people feel like they don’t belong."

As immigration enforcement ramps up, families like the Galvins continue to navigate life under the shadow of uncertainty, doing their best to protect their loved ones and their livelihoods.

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