ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The cities of Atlanta and Athens, along with Fulton, DeKalb, Douglas and Athens-Clarke counties, have been named as obstructors of federal immigration law by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“Sanctuary jurisdictions undermine the rule of law and endanger the lives of Americans and law enforcement,” according to the department’s website. “Sanctuary jurisdictions, including cities, counties, and states that are deliberately and shamefully obstructing the enforcement of federal immigration laws endangering American communities.

“Sanctuary cities protect dangerous criminal aliens from facing consequences and put law enforcement in peril,” the department said.

The department, headed by Secretary Kristi Noem, said its list of American cities and counties nationwide “was created to identify sanctuary jurisdictions, which are determined by factors like compliance with federal law enforcement, information restrictions, and legal protections for illegal aliens.”

“Each jurisdiction listed will receive formal notification of its non-compliance with federal statutes,“ the department said. ”DHS demands that these jurisdictions immediately review and revise their policies to align with Federal immigration laws and renew their obligation to protect American citizens, not dangerous illegal aliens.”

But leaders of some Georgia jurisdictions were puzzled as to their presence on the list, especially Fulton County.

County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts arrived to work Friday morning and was met with the news.

“I was dumbfounded when I saw Fulton County listed among the cities and counties,” he told Atlanta News First. “I’ve been here since 2003 and since that time we have never taken any action, that I can recall, that had anything to do with sanctuary cities whatsoever.”

At stake is the loss of federal funding and even possible legal action, so Pitts immediately reached out to DHS officials looking for clarification.

“We have not been involved in anything like that, so how in the world Fulton County is on that list, I need some explanation of that,” he said. “I have no idea where that came from.”

In statement, a Fulton County spokesperson said the county “complies with state and federal laws, including Georgia law that bans sanctuary jurisdictions.”

“Our law enforcement agencies cooperate fully with state and federal agencies in enforcement of applicable laws. Fulton County also uses the E-verify platform in our hiring and procurement practices,” the spokesperson said.

DHS did not return requests for comment on the final list.

A Georgia bill that would have stripped jurisdictions who fail to cooperate with ICE of their sovereign immunity - thereby leaving the susceptible to lawsuits - passed the state Senate last year but fell flat in the House.

Read the full list here.

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