Chicago's path to being a sanctuary city began more than 30 years ago. What follows is a look back at the leaders and laws that have shaped Chicago's involvement with the sanctuary movement.
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.S. to harbor refugees who entered the country illegally. The movement, which has roots in the medieval tradition of churches providing sanctuary for those fleeing persecution, was aimed at providing a safe haven for Central Americans running from political repression and violence in their home countries.