Hundreds of demonstrators protesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity and a federal troop deployment in Chicago marched in the downtown area, shutting down a portion of a major street at the height of rush hour.
Several groups, including the Coalition Against the Trump Agenda (CATA) and Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, took part in an “emergency protest,” where throngs of protesters gathered at Wacker Drive and Michigan Avenue.
Westbound Wacker Drive was shut down between Michigan and Steston avenues, where the demonstration began before proceeding northbound on Michigan. More than 200 demonstrators stood united as they traversed through the downtown area, vowing to take a stand.
“We have to send a message to the federal government, to our city, and let people know we’re here and ready to defend it,” said Husam Marajda with the U.S. Palestinian Community Network – Chicago. “…Not ok with what’s happening. You’re not just gonna come and occupy and invade our city without a response from people.”
While other protests have occurred within the city, demonstrations have mainly been focused at an ICE processing center in suburban Broadview, leading to clashes between protesters and agents in which chemical agents have been deployed to disperse crowds.
“We are witnessing at the Broadview facility, injustice dressed up as law enforcement,” Pastor Jonathan Brook said during the demonstration. “Federal judges have already ruled that targeting deportations base on political speech is unconstitutional.”
A coordinated immigration enforcement effort called “Operation Midway Blitz” has taken place across the Chicago area in recent weeks. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said at least 1,500 people have been taken into custody as part of the operation. The government has not provided corroborating data on that number.
Demonstrators said they believe the Trump administration is “out of control” and stand together with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Pritzker.
“This is not a testing ground for war, there’s people’s lives at stake,” Marajda said. “We have to stand against it, that’s our message today.”
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