Sanctuary cities in the United States have emerged as a significant aspect of the immigration debate, particularly drawing the ire of President Donald Trump during his administrations. In July 2025, Border Czar Tom Homan announced that the Trump administration would target these sanctuary cities across the country, aiming to “flood the zone” with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to pursue deportation goals.
The concept of sanctuary has varied throughout history, encompassing acts of kindness and advocacy, as well as formal approaches where churches and community organizations protect migrants at risk of arrest and deportation. These sanctuary city policies have historically served to support undocumented immigrants and refugees, especially those facing the threat of deportation. Local ordinances have signaled the pressing need for substantive immigration reform and the protection of vulnerable communities.
The modern-day sanctuary practices, along with the federal pushback against them, trace their roots back to the 1980s when activists, churches, and city officials began advocating for migrants escaping the violence linked to U.S. proxy wars in Central America. During that time, migrants faced a challenging asylum process, exacerbated by the Reagan administration’s reluctance to recognize the human rights violations occurring in El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Guatemala.
Less than 3% of asylum claims by individuals fleeing El Salvador and Guatemala were approved in 1984, starkly contrasting with the higher approval rates for asylum seekers from Iran, Afghanistan, and Poland. In response to this disparity, activists, churches, and city leaders organized under what would become known as the Sanctuary Movement, aiming to protect refugees by providing safe housing and advocating for their right to seek asylum.
Their efforts included raising awareness about the dire situations in Central America and critiquing the U.S. government’s involvement in these conflicts. As one sanctuary worker articulated in 1985, the concept of sanctuary was not only to ensure safety from violence but also to raise a voice about the realities faced by those in Central America.
The Sanctuary Movement expanded its reach beyond providing refuge, organizing witness trips to the U.S.-Mexico border to document the treatment of migrants by U.S. immigration officials. The experiences shared by refugees and missionaries helped unveil the harsh realities faced by those fleeing violence, including horrific accounts of violence against women and families.
As awareness about conditions in Central America grew, the Sanctuary Movement gained momentum, leading to the involvement of over 300 churches by its peak in 1986, advocating for Central American migrants. The formal declarations of sanctuary by U.S. cities began during this peak period. Berkeley, California, one of the first cities to declare itself a sanctuary city for Central American refugees, did so in 1985 and reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian assistance.
The resolution mandated that city employees would not assist in any investigations or arrests related to immigration laws affecting refugees in sanctuary. Following suit, cities like San Francisco and Santa Fe, New Mexico, established their sanctuary declarations or binding ordinances, often critiquing U.S. foreign and asylum policy.
A notable 1989 ordinance from San Francisco remains in effect, emphasizing U.S. obligations to the citizens of El Salvador and Guatemala due to the country’s role in the conflicts there. The rhetoric surrounding these sanctuary city resolutions carried powerful symbolism and resonated with the ongoing political discourse surrounding immigration policy.
Today, sanctuary policies continue to polarize opinions in the current political landscape. While these initiatives serve to protect marginalized communities, they can also have unintended consequences, often putting the very individuals they aim to assist under public scrutiny. The Sanctuary Movement has persisted for over 40 years, evolving from its origins in the 1980s to today’s ongoing fight for immigrant rights and humane treatment.
As the movement adapts to new challenges, particularly under the Trump administration’s threats, the question remains: how will the Sanctuary Movement continue to evolve in pursuit of justice and solidarity for immigrants in the U.S.?
image source from：theconversation
