Sanctuary: A Historical Overview of the Sanctuary Movement

99% Invisible episode "Sanctuary," hosted by Roman Mars and released on January 21, 2025, delves into the origins and evolution of the sanctuary movement in the United States. This detailed exploration not only recounts the movement's beginnings in the 1980s but also ties its historical significance to contemporary immigration debates, especially in light of Donald Trump's return to the White House and his administration's stringent deportation policies.

1. The Seed of Sanctuary: Tucson's Beginning

In July 1980, a harrowing journey unfolded as more than two dozen Salvadoran migrants traversed the Arizona desert. The extreme heat of the Sombra Desert proved fatal for many, with Reverend John Fife recounting, “They were in the middle of the most desolate and deadly area of the desert. And I think out of the group of 26, 12 of them died the first day out” (02:22). The survivors, suffering from severe dehydration and heat stroke, were brought to a Tucson hospital where Reverend Fife first encountered them.

Initially uninformed about Central America's political turmoil, Fife admitted, “I didn’t know much about Central America or what was going on in countries like Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador around this time” (03:29). As he listened to the refugees' stories of escaping death squads and extreme violence, Fife began to comprehend the dire circumstances that forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homelands.

2. Understanding the Turmoil: Central America's Civil Wars

El Salvador's civil war, which had been brewing since the early 1900s under oppressive oligarchs and military dictatorships, intensified in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Left-wing guerrilla groups like the FMLN gained influence, prompting brutal military crackdowns. Reverend Fife learned that “Thousands of people were disappeared, murdered or displaced” (04:48).

This pattern of repression was mirrored in neighboring Nicaragua and Guatemala, where authoritarian regimes battled leftist rebels, further destabilizing the region. The influx of refugees in Tucson symbolized a broader humanitarian crisis, compelling religious leaders like Fife to take action.

3. Birth of the Sanctuary Movement: Faith Meets Activism

Reverend Fife and his congregation at Southside Presbyterian Church became pivotal in sheltering Central American refugees. Drawing from religious imperatives, they provided not just physical shelter but also food, clothing, legal assistance, and emotional support. Jim Corbett, a Quaker and a key figure in the movement, emphasized the moral responsibility, stating, “We have to conclude from history that they got it right... I don't think we can allow that to happen on our border in our time” (15:31).

Inspired by historical precedents like the Underground Railroad and the sanctuary provided by religious institutions during the Holocaust, the movement sought to create a network of safe havens. By 1982, their efforts culminated in a public declaration, with banners proclaiming, “This is a sanctuary of God for the oppressed of Central America and immigration. Do not profane the sanctuary of God” (18:33).

4. Government Pushback: Operation Sojourner Begins

As the sanctuary movement gained momentum, it attracted federal scrutiny. The Reagan administration, driven by Cold War dynamics, viewed the movement through a political lens. In a strategic move, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) launched Operation Sojourner, an investigation aimed at dismantling the sanctuary network.

Undercover agents, including former smugglers Jesus Cruz and Solomon Graham, infiltrated the movement. Their testimonies portrayed sanctuary workers as part of an illegal smuggling operation, leading to the indictment of 16 leaders, including Reverend Fife, in January 1985 (32:22). Alan Nelson, then INS Commissioner, stated, “They have the right to think what they want. That doesn't exclude them from obeying the laws of the United States” (34:35), reflecting the administration's stance against the movement's defiance of immigration laws.

5. The Legal Battle: Trials and Tribulations

The sanctuary leaders faced severe legal challenges. The prosecution, spearheaded by Donald Reno Jr., characterized the movement as an "alien smuggling conspiracy" (46:48). Despite the defense's efforts to highlight religious motivations and flawed asylum processes, the federal judge severely limited their arguments. Reverend Fife expressed frustration, saying, “I think juries are very good, but they come into the box with their own attitude” (48:58).

After a prolonged trial, outcomes varied: three of the eleven sanctuary workers were acquitted, while eight, including Reverend Fife, were convicted but received relatively lenient sentences—five years of probation instead of lengthy prison terms (50:17). This verdict underscored the judiciary's strict interpretation of immigration laws, dismissing the broader humanitarian context that fueled the sanctuary movement.

6. Aftermath and Legacy: Reforms and Continued Activism

The convictions did not silence the sanctuary movement. In fact, they galvanized further legal action. By 1990, a class-action lawsuit against the government alleged discriminatory treatment of asylum seekers from Central America. The government settled, granting temporary protected status and initiating reforms in the asylum application process (51:45).

Moreover, the movement's ethos permeated various societal sectors. Sanctuary concepts expanded beyond churches to include college campuses, cities, counties, and even entire states. This expansion ensured that the sanctuary movement remained a resilient force advocating for undocumented individuals (52:28).

7. Sanctuary in Modern Context: Trump’s Immigration Policies

Fast forward to the present, the sanctuary movement's history is invoked amidst Donald Trump's presidency, which has reinvigorated debates over immigration enforcement. Trump’s administration has targeted sanctuary cities, threatening to withhold federal funding and accelerate deportations. Pastor Allison Harrington of Southside Presbyterian in Tucson illustrates the ongoing struggle, noting the church's efforts to shelter individuals even under heightened political tension (53:11).

The episode highlights that while sanctuary policies vary—ranging from non-cooperation with immigration authorities to ensuring access to city services regardless of immigration status—the foundational principles remain rooted in religious compassion and humanitarian aid. As Roman Mars aptly puts it, “Churches might also be vulnerable” (54:03), underscoring the persistent challenges faced by sanctuary institutions.

8. Reflections and Future Directions

Jim Corbett reflects on the movement's resilience despite governmental opposition: “They backed off us here in Tucson, but they tried one more trial in New Mexico” (50:48). The sanctuary movement's ability to adapt and expand illustrates its enduring relevance in advocating for marginalized communities.

As immigration policies continue to evolve, the sanctuary movement serves as a testament to the power of collective action grounded in moral and religious convictions. The episode concludes by posing critical questions about the future of sanctuary practices and their alignment with both legal frameworks and ethical imperatives.

Notable Quotes

• Jim Corbett (14:52): “We have to conclude from history that they got it right. Those were the folks who understood and got it right.”

• Reverend John Fife (43:25): “Our position was, oh, we welcome the opportunity to make that case in court, and we think we're gonna win in a slam dunk.”

• Alan Nelson (34:35): “They have the right to think what they want. That doesn't exclude them from obeying the laws of the United States.”

• Patricia Barcelo (21:35): “I remember my parents talking about this and saying, you know, who would do this? Who would risk their lives, you know, their good lives here in the US for people like us.”

• Roman Mars (55:30): “That’s going to have to be worked out through a number of institutional decisions, as well as court decisions well into the future. What’s going to be the result? We’ll see. No one knows.”

Conclusion

The Sanctuary episode of 99% Invisible meticulously traces the lineage of the sanctuary movement from its nascent stages in 1980s Tucson to its contemporary manifestations amidst renewed immigration challenges. By intertwining personal narratives, historical contexts, and legal battles, Roman Mars provides a comprehensive understanding of how faith-based activism can influence and withstand governmental policies. The movement’s legacy continues to shape dialogues around immigration, law, and moral responsibility in the United States.