Chicago’s path to being a sanctuary city began more than 40 years ago. Here’s a look back at the leaders and laws that have shaped Chicago’s involvement with the sanctuary movement. July 18, 1982: Church congregation begins taking in refugees The Wellington Avenue Church congregation votes to join the sanctuary movement — becoming just the second church in the U.

The US justice department has filed a lawsuit against Chicago, accusing local officials of impeding federal immigration enforcement efforts amid Donald Trump's drive to ramp up deportations.

The Trump administration is suing Chicago over what are known as sanctuary laws. The administration claims the nation’s third-largest city “thwarts” federal efforts to enforce immigration laws.