What is Sanctuary Today?
Sanctuary is a way to be in solidarity with the undocumented community by creating safe space for the prophetic voice of immigrant leaders to be lifted up as we confront unjust laws together. Through the sanctuary movement, faith communities can powerfully enact and embody their commitment to justice. Those engaged in sanctuary participate in a spectrum of solidarity actions including welcoming undocumented people, advocating to help stop deportations, assisting with legal clinics, and physically sheltering immigrants in danger of immediate deportation. We believe that sanctuary is not only an important ministry, it is also a mindset that guides many ministries.
how does living in a church protect someone from deportation?
Currently, public sanctuary is an organizing tool used to achieve broader goals rooted in systemic change. A critical component of the contemporary sanctuary work rests in an internal memo from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which many call the “Sensitive Locations Memo.” Here are some quick facts:
Most recent version: October 24, 2011 (but studies have shown similar memos from the early 1990s)
Officially the memo is identified by Policy Number: I 0029.2; FEA Number: 306-112-002b
Signed by then Director of ICE, John Morton
Less than 3 pages long
The internal ICE policy regarding sensitive locations, “is designed to ensure that … enforcement actions do not occur at nor are focused on sensitive locations … unless (a) exigent circumstances, (b) other law enforcement actions have led officers to a sensitive location, or (c) prior approval is obtained
Sensitive locations are defined as:
Schools
Hospitals
Churches, synagogues, mosques or other institutions of worship, such as buildings rented for the purpose of religious services
The site of a funeral, wedding, or other public religious ceremony
A site during the occurrence of a public demonstration, such as a march, rally or parade
Alex garcia
Rene “Alex” Garcia Maldonado entered sanctuary in September 2017, fighting deportation so he can stay with his family in Missouri.
national report
Faith leaders, advocates and undocumented individuals in sanctuary unveiled a first-of-its-kind report on the faith-based sanctuary movement.
St. Louis Coalition for Sanctuary
The St. Louis Sanctuary Coalition is a multi-faith coalition of religious leaders, congregations, and individuals in and around St. Louis that are called by their shared values to respond actively and publicly to the suffering of our immigrant brothers and sisters residing in the US. The Coalition seeks to end the suffering and injustice caused by immigration enforcement, including raids, detention, deportation and sometimes achieved through dangerous collaboration with local law enforcement. Together with those at risk of deportation, their families, and allies, the Coalition is prepared to provide sanctuary as a tool to achieve those goals.
“It is always an honor to partner with IFCLA as they work tirelessly to promote Pope Francis’ vision of a ‘world of acceptance and solidarity, in which no one is seen as useless, out of place or disposable.’”