New film highlights the ongoing struggle for immigrant rights in Philadelphia, reflecting issues that remain significant today.

In the context of growing scrutiny over immigration policies in the United States, the cultural and political landscape remains significantly impacted by both local and national narratives. As Philadelphia continues to navigate its identity amid a divisive national climate, community advocates and filmmakers are drawing attention to the urgent issues surrounding immigration.

In 2018, the United States was under the presidency of Donald Trump, which saw significant enforcement actions by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Philadelphia’s ICE office has been one of the busiest in the nation, with approximately 3,000 arrests made within just the first six months of that year. During this period, prominent figures such as Cristina Martinez, an immigration advocate and chef known for her work at South Philly Barbacoa, gained recognition through platforms like Netflix’s “Chef’s Table.” Her advocacy emphasized the resilience and contributions of the immigrant community in Philadelphia, even amid a stringent enforcement environment.

Organizations such as Juntos have actively organized rallies and community meetings, donning their distinctive green-and-white “Sí Se Puede” shirts, advocating for limitations on ICE’s access to local databases maintained by the Philadelphia Police Department. This push reflects a broader effort to shield immigrant communities from the far-reaching implications of federal enforcement actions.

Filmmaker Kristal Sotomayor presents these pressing issues in her documentary, “Expanding Sanctuary,” which illustrates the collective actions taken by immigrants to protect their families and communities during a turbulent political climate. The film is now garnering renewed interest as it explores the challenges faced by unauthorized immigrants in Philadelphia, emphasizing both their struggles and their tenacity.

Under the current mayoral administration of Cherelle L. Parker, the city’s stance towards federal immigration policies has shifted. Parker’s administration has been described as less confrontational compared to her predecessor, Jim Kenney, who was notably vocal against the Trump administration. This shift has fueled concerns among activists about the growing militarization of ICE and the legislative measures that undermine immigrant rights.

Despite the changing political landscape, Sotomayor’s film serves as a reminder of the power of community organization and collective action. Through the documentary, she hopes to inspire renewed activism by showcasing successful past efforts to enact change. The film reflects on how Philadelphia’s immigrant communities continue to thrive, engaging in the social fabric of the city while fighting for their rights against an increasingly hostile environment.

The documentary will be screened virtually, followed by a Q&A session with key figures involved in its production and the discussed issues. This event, along with a planned in-person screening at Bartram’s Garden, aims to rekindle discussions around immigrant rights and instigate grassroots movements in response to current policies.

As immigration remains a contentious topic, community leaders and advocates are increasingly aware of the need to maintain the momentum of activism. Although challenges persist, there is a hopeful sentiment that the collective force of communities can drive policy changes that protect immigrant rights and ensure the voices of real people remain heard in the political arena.

For more details on the upcoming virtual screening and community discussions surrounding “Expanding Sanctuary,” interested individuals can visit the film’s official pages.