A wave of protest surged through Chicago as demonstrators took to the streets to voice their opposition to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies and the recent militarization of law enforcement during protests across the nation.
Written in bold black ink on a concrete brick in Federal Plaza was a poignant inscription: “Fuck ICE,” a sentiment echoed by others who joined the cause.
The gathering saw hundreds holding flags representing Mexico, the United States, Palestine, and various South American nations, symbolizing unity among diverse communities.
The catalyst for this outpouring of emotion was not only the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to a largely peaceful protest in Los Angeles but also the harsh realities faced by many young people in Chicago.
Laura, a 21-year-old from the South Side, shared her own fears, saying, “My parents are still undocumented. Thank God we are in the process of getting them papers, but with everything going on, every single day I pray for them—that I am able to see them again… it’s a constant fear. That’s why I showed up.”
The anger felt by Laura and many others is targeted at President Donald Trump, whose immigration enforcement policies have impacted urban areas across the United States, including Chicago.
Recent reports indicated that ICE agents arrested 20 individuals during a recent check-in at the agency’s Intensive Supervision Appearance Program offices, emphasizing the immediacy of the threat faced by immigrant communities.
Laura and her friends—Jade, Ise, and Allan—spoke about their collective experiences, with Jade recalling her father moving out of their home due to fear of persecution by ICE.
“[ICE raids] are happening all the time,” she remarked, and together they underscored the strength of their community.
“Despite the hate, people need to dig deep and find the morality of having their family ripped apart,” Laura stated when asked what message she would send to President Trump.
Statistical data reveal the significant contributions immigrants make to the state. According to a March 2025 report from the Vera Institute of Justice, immigrants in Illinois contribute $10.6 billion in state and local taxes and $16.9 billion in federal taxes.
Moreover, a September 2023 Vera Institute report noted that immigrant-led households in the Chicago metro area generate an estimated $68.7 billion in earnings, with a considerable spending power of $48.2 billion.
Bella Adekowa, a 25-year-old Chicago resident, felt compelled to join the protest, expressing her distress at seeing undercover ICE vehicles targeting friends within her community.
“The only way I feel I can get rid of that sickness is to speak up about it,” remarked Adekowa, emphasizing that students have been at the forefront of protest efforts.
“Their collective action is like a tsunami—everything is coming together and crashing down for change.”
A poignant voice among the protesters was a 26-year-old Mexican woman who chose to remain anonymous because of fear of deportation.
With a Mexican flag draped over her shoulders, she expressed the need for solidarity among Chicagoans, stating, “My mom is married to an immigrant and currently in the process of getting his papers. There’s still a chance [ICE] could get him; it’s happening every day.”
The momentum generated by these protests highlights a critical moment for the immigrant community and the broader social justice movement in Chicago.
image source from：https://www.thenation.com/article/activism/chicago-ice-deportation-trump-protests/
