DOWNTOWN — Chicago witnessed a powerful demonstration on Saturday as tens of thousands marched in the Loop to express their opposition to President Donald Trump.
With an estimated 75,000 participants, the peaceful protest was part of a larger, nationwide movement against Trump, particularly focusing on his deportation policies and the deployment of military forces to address civil unrest in Los Angeles.
This marked one of approximately 2,000 protests occurring across the United States and was the second significant protest against Trump in Chicago this week.
The event commenced with a series of speeches at Daley Plaza, after which the crowd marched north towards Wacker Drive, then east past Trump Tower, before heading south along Michigan Avenue.
Protesters from diverse backgrounds, including both city residents and those from the suburbs, gathered to voice their concerns regarding the administration’s increased immigration raids, particularly affecting communities in Chicago.
April LaCroix, who attended the protest with her partner, Matt Meador, and their three young children, expressed the importance of their presence, saying, “Trump is attacking people at the margins, and we’re privileged people, but he’s going to eventually come for us, too. It’s easy to think stuff like this doesn’t matter, but I was telling the kids, if nobody shows up, we don’t make a point. Every single person matters.”
The atmosphere of the streets was vibrant, filled with rhythmic drumming, call-and-response chanting, and even some spontaneous dancing.
As participants waved Mexican and American flags, a dance circle formed around percussionists Marcos Sanchez and Sandra Morales, who created an energetic Cumbia rhythm at the intersection of Dearborn and Randolph. Sanchez played the Guiro, a traditional Latin American instrument, while Morales improvised with a bucket and a wooden spoon.
Sanchez shared his sentiments about the event, stating, “We don’t want every protest to be about doom and gloom. Music brings people together. We want joy in our communities!”
He also highlighted the fear faced by many in the Latino community, remarking, “It’s my duty to be out here fighting for them. And soon [Trump] will come for everyone.”
As the protest drew to a close around 3 p.m. back at Daley Plaza, some activists expressed a desire to continue marching. However, their efforts were halted by police barricades surrounding the plaza, leading to a temporary standoff between law enforcement and protesters, which ultimately resolved without conflict.
Following this, some demonstrators shifted their focus to the ICE’s Chicago Field Office. Here, tensions escalated as police and protesters came into contact, resulting in clashes as activists were pushed out of Ida B. Wells Drive and Clark Street.
The event garnered significant attention, illustrating the community’s resolve to stand against policies they view as unjust or harmful.
Contributions from Quinn Myers and Charles Thrush enriched the coverage of Saturday’s events.
In light of the ongoing discussions about civil rights and immigration policies, the protests in Chicago reflect a growing movement among citizens seeking to hold their leaders accountable.
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