DOWNTOWN — Thousands of Chicagoans — families, veterans, youths and even their dogs — spent hours marching Downtown Saturday to peacefully protest the Trump administration’s plans for a large-scale immigration enforcement surge this month.
The march, organized by a group of progressive political organizations under the name Coalition Against the Trump Agenda, began at the Congress Plaza Garden before taking to the streets. It passed by a federal immigration building, Trump Tower and concluded on Michigan Avenue, where musicians played and chants echoed several blocks before marchers dispersed without incident.
The protest drew about 3,000 people, many hoisting handmade signs, pictures and flags that showed support for Mexican Independence Day, Palestine and Chicago pride. No federal agents or troops could be seen, despite threats of deportations and a military incursion levied by the president on social media earlier in the day.
Federal agents — who are staying at the Great Lakes Naval Base in North Chicago — are expected to focus on making immigration arrests and conducting raids in and around Chicago for more than a month. Trump has also said he is considering sending the National Guard to the city, though it is unclear when that might happen.
Local leaders have criticized Trump’s plans and said the federal government has provided little information on what to expect. Gov. JB Pritzker said agents could target Mexican Independence Day celebrations, and Grant Park’s El Grito Chicago festival was postponed by organizers for that reason. Saturday’s Mexican parade in Pilsen was peaceful and brought a larger crowd out to the festivities this year, organizers said.
Eileen Murphy, of Uptown, attended the march holding a weathered sign reading, “We march to protect civility, not fear.”
“I’ve had this sign for eight years,” Murphy said. “This is my original sign and it’s still applicable.”
She made her sign for the 2017 Women’s March in Washington D.C. when Trump took office the first time, and it still rings true now, she said. She called the protest a “monumental continuum” and part of the same movement from 2017.
Murphy, a physician, volunteers at a free health clinic for those who are uninsured and undocumented. She said the protest represented Chicago’s strong immigrant roots and its powerful stance against the current political climate.
“We are not going away — goodness, equity and humanity will prevail, and so we’ve got some work to get there but this is going to pass, this will pass,” Murphy said. “Chicago is by definition supportive of immigrants. … I am the daughter of immigrants that came over during the Irish potato famines. Ask any of us, unless you are Native American, you are an immigrant.”
Jay Starks, of Hyde Park, reflected on how the protest brought multiple groups of people together for a common cause. A member of the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, Starks has been working to get the referendum for community power over policing — which failed to get on the 2022 ballot but would give residents control over policing directly to voters — on the next ballot.
“I was getting involved with that, since it’s all the same struggle, that’s what got me here,” Starks said. “I also want to get more support for workers and immigrant rights” on the ballot.”
The protest drew curious eyes from tourists, security guards and people eating at nearby restaurants, including Chicago’s bucket boys who chanted “F— Trump, f— ICE!”
The Downtown protest was positive and empowering for Logan Square resident Jacob Kratzwald, who recently moved to the city and wanted to show his opposition for the Trump administration. It was his first Chicago protest but it won’t be his last, he said.
“Opposing state violence is a good thing,” Kratzwald said. “With the administration sliding towards fascism, you have a duty as a citizen to stand up and fight back, which is also rooted in having common decency for your neighbors.”
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