National Sanctuary Movement
As immigrant families have been targeted for deportation by the Trump Administration, the Sanctuary Movement has become a galvanizing force for the faith community to respond and help keep families together.
Coordinated by CWS, the Sanctuary Movement has rapidly grown to more than 1,100 congregations organized in over 50 coalitions and networks across the country to offer safe shelter for immigrants facing deportation and walk in solidarity with undocumented leaders brave enough to tell their stories to the world.
CWS supports the growth of new Sanctuary networks by providing resources, trainings and one-on-one support, and by equipping congregations with the tools they need to succeed. We have also mobilized Sanctuary Movement partners to provide more tools to help immigrants know their rights and be prepared if ICE knocks on their doors. Through the #SacredResistance campaign, CWS issued a map of congregations standing ready to provide shelter and rapid response to raids, along with a toolkit for faith allies to stand in solidarity with immigrants.
Learn more and connect with a Sanctuary congregation in your community

Latest Updates
CWS Denounces President Trump’s Announcement on Sanctuary Cities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE JANUARY 25th, 2017 CONTACT: Myrna Orozco| 202.830.7421| media@cwsglobal.org CWS DENOUNCES PRESIDENT TRUMP’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON SANCTUARY CITIES Washington D.C. – Following President Trump’s announcement today [giving cities an ultimatum to force local police to serve as federal immigration agents or risk losing federal funding], CWS strongly denounced the decision and reaffirmed its commitment to stand in support of …
Church World Service Demands End to Immigration Raids, Calls for Support and Sanctuary to Those Targeted By ICE
Washington, D.C. – Despite continued outcry from faith, immigrants’ rights and community leaders, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials announced their plans to restart raids on Central American families, many of whom fled to the United States after facing extreme violence, persecution and poverty. This latest announcement continues the administration’s enforcement scheme of separating mothers and fathers from their children. Five …
Faith and Immigrants’ Rights Leaders Call for End to ICE Raids, Reiterate Support and Sanctuary to Those Hunted By ICE
Washington, D.C. – Just days before the Christmas holiday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials announced their plans to begin raids on Central American families, many of whom fled to the United States after facing extreme violence, persecution and poverty. Faith leaders from across the United States immediately responded in a statement on Christmas Day, offering sanctuary to those looking to …