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 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.

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.