Chicago protest blocks downtown streets; Republican, Democrat leaders react on Inauguration Day

Craig Wall Image
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Chicago protest downtown; GOP, Dem leaders react on Inauguration Day
A Chicago protest blocked downtown streets on President Donald Trump's Inauguration and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- People across the country and in Chicago are watching and waiting to see what the next four years hold for America, after President Donald Trump was sworn in Monday for the second time.

Protesters blocked streets downtown Chicago Monday afternoon, on Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Various groups said they would join in protests Monday, and try to converge on Trump Tower.

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Protesters blocked part of State Street outside the ABC7 Chicago studio about 12:45 p.m.

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They later moved to Wacker Drive.

Chicago police did not appear to allow some protesters to get too close to Trump Tower.

By just before 2 p.m., the protesters had cleared out, but Michigan Avenue continued to be blocked at Wacker by emergency services.

Over 50 organizations said they were participating in the march, citing issues like the Israel-Hamas war, U.S. immigration, poverty, housing inequality, racism, reproductive rights and education inequality.

One group said they would begin at Water Tower Park before marching south. The other group gathered at Federal Plaza before marching north.

Temperatures are dangerously cold Monday, with wind chills between -15 to -25.

Chicago could be one of the first targets for the new administration's policies. The president's hand-picked border czar confirmed plans for immigration raids in Chicago, starting as soon as Tuesday.

Supporters of the president packed inauguration watch parties around the area, thrilled to see the candidate they voted for returning to the White House.

Republicans in Illinois are cheering the moment, as the second Trump presidency launches Monday, with bold promises from the president on the economy and immigration.

Democrats are bracing for what this will mean for Chicago and the rest of Illinois.

Trump has taken the reigns of the presidency again, four years after losing it, promising a new golden age for America.

"Many people thought it was impossible for me to stage such a historic political comeback. But, as you see today, here I am. The American people have spoken," Trump said.

Republicans from Illinois in Washington for the moment were unable to attend the inauguration ceremony, after it was moved indoors due to the cold. But, they are there for the post-celebration.

Former Illinois Republican National Committeeman Richard Porter spoke from the Capital One Arena.

"This is going to be essentially where the celebration is going to be of his inaugural," Porter said. "Oh, this day was so long coming, and it's been so exciting. The folks that are in town for the inauguration couldn't be more excited, and, you know, relieved, thrilled, optimistic."

Gov. JB Pritzker painted a school hallway as part of a service project celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day, joining other Democrats in painting a very different picture.

"The intent to attack people's rights that, I think, is something that we're all going to have to put up with, or deal with, rather, every single day of this administration. And, here in Illinois, we're going to stand up. We're going to fight back. We're going to follow the law, and we're going to make sure they're following the law," Pritzker said.

Congressman Bill Foster was one of the few members of the Illinois delegation attending the inauguration.

"It was out of respect to the office rather than the office holder. Frankly, you know, when we were sitting in the rotunda, it was hard not to think about Jan. 6, four years ago," said Foster, D-Naperville.

But this was a day for Republicans, who were encouraged by the vision the president laid out during his inaugural speech.

"A lot of times, politicians make a lot of political rhetoric. It doesn't ever come true. But, I think we're going to see, starting today, with these executive orders, that things are going to be happening," Aaron Del Mar said.

The impact of the Trump presidency could have immediate ramifications for Chicago, as soon as Tuesday if promised U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids happen.

And the next four years will certainly bring a different relationship with the White House for Democratic leaders in Illinois.

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