Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended the agency’s use of a controversial list labeling cities as “sanctuary” jurisdictions after pushback from sheriffs led the Department of Homeland Security to remove it from its website, Reuters reported.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has taken down a list naming states, cities, and counties it alleged were “sanctuary” jurisdictions — areas said to limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities — after the National Sheriffs’ Association raised concerns that the list damaged trust with law enforcement.

The list, first published Thursday, was created following an executive order from President Donald Trump directing the agency to identify jurisdictions that do not fully comply with federal immigration enforcement. Critics, including top law enforcement officials, said the effort lacked transparency and could harm cooperation with local agencies.

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