Thousands of Chicagoans took to the streets on Saturday as part of the ‘No Kings’ march, a prominent nationwide protest opposing President Donald Trump.
The event commenced at Daley Plaza, located at 50 W. Washington St., around noon, as demonstrators expressed their discontent with the administration’s recent actions, particularly the ramping up of immigration raids and the deployment of military forces to manage civil unrest in cities like Los Angeles.
Organizers indicated that the Chicago gathering was part of a broader movement that saw over 5 million people participating in more than 2,000 protests across the country on that day.
A volunteer from Indivisible Chicago later estimated that approximately 75,000 individuals attended the protest in Chicago.
This number significantly exceeded the earlier police estimate of about 20,000 attendees.
Organizers analyzed aerial photographs from the event and compared the turnout to previous protests, emphasizing the overwhelming response.
In comparison, New York City had an estimated 200,000 marchers, while Philadelphia’s rally attracted around 100,000 participants, according to the organizers.
The nationwide protest was characterized by themes of solidarity as people from various backgrounds united against what they perceive to be authoritarianism under President Trump.
A key message from the event was clear: a collective rejection of the notion of ‘kings’ in America, echoing sentiments of historical resistance to oppression.
As the protest intensified, clashes broke out between law enforcement and demonstrators near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Field Office.
Some protesters attempted to march beyond the confines of Daley Plaza but were met with a police blockade that pushed them back.
By 5:30 p.m., the area around Daley Plaza had largely been cleared, with a smaller contingent of about 150 protesters moving to the ICE office nearby.
These protesters remained vocal against ICE policies, chanting and expressing their frustrations, leading to a confrontation with police officers who formed lines to control the crowd.
One protester, DaMontre Redmon, recounted sustaining a gash on his forehead when police intervened as he assisted a friend.
“They were dragging me by my feet,” Redmond stated, indicating the aggressive tactics used by police during the standoff.
Despite this, the protest persisted, and those remaining on the sidewalk continued to vocalize their opposition.
Earlier in the day, the march culminated around 3 p.m., with many participants lingering at Daley Plaza.
Tomas Cortez, a resident of Little Village, shared his motivation for attending these protests, emphasizing the need to advocate for the rights of marginalized communities.
Cortez, who identifies as Mexican American, felt it was crucial to amplify the voices of undocumented immigrants facing the threat of detention.
Others, like teachers Daisy and Andrea, attended with the hope of protecting their undocumented students from fear and uncertainty.
“We want to be their advocates,” Daisy remarked, addressing the anxiety students face over immigration enforcement.
As the march wrapped up, some demonstrators continued to organize in smaller groups throughout the downtown area, further demonstrating their commitment to activism.
At approximately 2:15 p.m., a large number of protesters were reported to have effectively paralyzed the Loop area, covering extensive ground as they moved through the city streets.
The significance of this gathering was not lost on participants, with Ella Stucky reflecting on how future generations would view such actions, similar to historical civil rights movements.
Throughout the day, chants of ‘No Kings!’ reverberated through the crowd as speakers highlighted issues related to immigration, healthcare, education, and the rights of marginalized groups affected by the current administration’s policies.
Notable attendees included Senator Dick Durbin, who affirmed the march’s mission, questioning the existence of kings in a democratic society.
Polarizing issues spurred intense discussions among attendees, and many called for more robust community engagement and support mechanisms.
As Chicago braced for the surge of protests, local police presence was heightened, with barricades and vehicles deployed to manage the event.
The protests followed earlier demonstrations addressing recent ICE raids, showcasing residents’ commitment to rallying against policies they deem unjust.
Indivisible Chicago organized the event alongside various political groups and unions, underscoring the necessity for collective action in response to perceived injustices.
In addition to the main event in downtown, smaller protests took place in neighborhoods and suburbs, indicating widespread dissatisfaction with federal policies.
In Edgewater, around 250 locals gathered to express their opposition, further indicating the protests’ reach across different communities.
The day concluded with a sense of resilience among the protesters, affirming their ongoing commitment to activism and unity in the face of challenges posed by the current political climate.
image source from：https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/06/14/chicagos-no-kings-march-draws-thousands-to-protest-president-donald-trump-live-blog/
