Anti-ICE demonstrators march through downtown Chicago to protest immigration raids

More ICE activity expected soon in the city, officials and advocates say

ByEvelyn Holmes, Maher Kawash, and Eric Horng

Friday, June 13, 2025

Demonstrators march through downtown Chicago to protest ICE raids

More anti-ICE Chicago protests were held on Thursday, immigration advocates said. Leaders are preparing for even more on Saturday for "No Kings Day."

CHICAGO (WLS) -- More anti-ICE Chicago protests were expected on Thursday, as officials say more ICE activity is expected in Chicago.

There is a lot of speculation as to what the raids will look like as people have already seen a small sample of them in Chicago.

City leaders are preparing for similar tactics to be used here in the city as has been seen in Los Angeles over the last week.

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Hundreds of demonstrators gathered with a rally near Ida B. Wells Drive and Michigan Avenue before they were on the move just before 5 p.m. in the Loop, with protest organizer saying they intended to head north over the Chicago River to Trump Tower. However, it was unclear if Chicago police would let them.

"This is a time for people to take to the streets and speak up to defend our democracy, to defend our neighbors," protester Ann-Louise Haak said.

The group moved north up Michigan Avenue before eventually turning back towards the Loop just before 6 p.m.

Hundreds marched on downtown streets, denouncing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations that many at the protest worry will only intensify.

"ICE out of Chicago! ICE out of Illinois! ICE out of everywhere!" said Veronica Castro with the Illinois Coalition For Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

At one point, a lone counter-protester tried to interrupt, but the rally soon continued.

There was a call for action earlier Thursday from a coalition of immigrant organizations, demanding the Trump administration to ease up on ICE raids happening across the country.

Those raids have been met with tension in LA over the last week, and similar issues have happened during ICE raids in Chicago this week as 17 protesters were arrested Tuesday.

"We are preparing for workplace raids across the region just like we saw in LA last week," said Marcos Ceniceros with Warehouse Workers for Justice, "We hear there will be tactical teams. There will be many tanks. There will be other tools that they use and they plan to do raids just like we saw last week."

Those plans have led organizations to plan an anti-ICE rally Thursday afternoon in downtown Chicago as organizers say this is a critical moment to push back against these policies.

"Later today, the communities and allies will be showing up to see that ICE is not welcome here in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois," Lawrence Benito with the Illinois Coalition For Immigrant And Refugee Rights said.

The demonstrations come as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson warns that ICE is planning to increase their operations in the city.

The groups said they are planning a march near Congress Plaza Garden in the Loop.

Antonio Gutierrez of Organize Communities Against Deportations said one of his members was detained. The mother of three is currently being held in a jail in Kentucky in what he says are inhumane conditions.

"Our democracy and freedom is on the line. This is a pivot point for our society," Guttierez said. "This is inhumane. This conditions near those of concentration camps during the Holocaust... There is no beds. People are sleeping on concrete floors. Last Sunday, one mattress was given to 20 mothers to share, no blankets are given."

The mayor's administration said Chicago is one of five blue cities being targeted by the Trump administration.

City officials say state and local laws don't allow the Chicago Police Department to cooperate with ICE. However, officers can be present at ICE raids to control crowds if protests impact the safety of residents.

While groups protested in the city Thursday, there are additional rallies planned for this weekend. On Saturday, progressives plan a "No Kings Day" protest in cities across the nation including Chicago.

Chicago police said it is preparing all necessary resources, relying on the department's extensive experience with these kinds of crowds to keep everything peaceful.

At least 1 injured, 17 arrested on Tuesday amid Chicago protest

Chicago police confirmed that 17 people were arrested amid anti-ICE protests in the Loops.

A 66-year-old Chicago woman who was injured said she and her husband were toward the rear of the demonstration Tuesday night, when they saw the car speeding toward them.

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