About 250K 'No Kings' protesters march through downtown Chicago to denounce Trump, organizers say
Large protests also held in suburbs across Chicago area
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A quarter of a million people gathered in Grant Park for a peaceful "No Kings" protest before beginning to march through downtown streets on Saturday afternoon, organizers said.
Chicago was one of dozens of cities with millions of protesters nationwide to hold demonstrations against the Trump administration's policies on Saturday. Protests also happened in the suburbs as participants said now is the time to stand up for democracy.
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The nationwide movement denounced President Donald Trump and his policies, including recent immigration raids.
"I couldn't not participate," protester Allison Heverin said. "We have to be out here to show the world this is not right, what's going on is horrible."
Scores of people along with advocates and local elected officials turned out for the downtown demonstration, which organizers say was expected to draw people from the city and surrounding areas. It began at Butler Field in Chicago's Grant Park around noon.
"Tens of thousand are gathering with our here in downtown Chicago, and they are here to rise up in support of our neighbors, in support of the city and to remind people, hands off Chicago and this is America and we don't have kings here," Indivisible Chicago volunteer Sally Schulze said.
Because of recent ICE arrests in the Chicago area, organizers expected a much bigger crowd than the previous "No Kings" rally held in June.
Mayor Brandon Johnson was also there, addressing the crowd in Grant Park.
"Are you all ready to defend this democracy?" Are you ready to fight fascism?" Johnson said. "Are you prepared to destroy authoritarianism once and for all? Well, let the world hear you. No kings."
After the two-hour program in Grant Park, protesters began marching through downtown. Traffic was impacted. The Chicago Police Department said it would have extra resources throughout the Loop.
It's the latest of several anti-Trump protests locally and across the country as the administration ramped up immigration raids.
"The raid that happened in South Shore is like a block away from where I live, so I was thinking if they can raid this place, what's to stop them from raiding my building?" protester Jeremiah Thiocary said.
READ MORE | Chicago federal intervention: Tracking surge in immigration enforcement operations | Live updates
Protesters said the rally is even more important as they're frustrated with federal immigration operations in Chicago and attempts from the administration to deploy the National Guard.
"There's an assault on democracy," protester Patrick Shaffer said. "We don't have kings. We the people have power with our vote."
Hundreds of Chicago police officers blocked off streets and escorted the huge, but peaceful, crowd as they marched passed by Trump Tower. The afternoon event followed smaller demonstrations that have been met with aggression from federal agents who've used tear gas and arrested some protestors.
"Everything that 's happening is not okay," protester Paula Pacheco said. "It is not how I was raised. I want to show support."
More of the same was seen in Logan Square, with people bringing out their signs and chants in another rally. And on the South Side, crowds stood through some rain and filled the sidewalks for their own protest near 103rd and Western.
The Chicago rallies come roughly four months after the first "No Kings Day" protest, which also drew thousands to downtown and more to the suburbs. The June protest was meant to counter a military parade in Washington to mark the Army's 250th anniversary and Trump's 79th birthday an event critics say is being funded by taxpayers while Social Security, Medicaid and food assistance programs are being gutted.
"I'm a lifelong registered Republican. Enough is enough," protester Matt Schwarz said.
Protesters also responded to comments made by the Trump administration this week about the "No Kings" rallies. Some Trump supporters called Saturday's protest a "hate America rally." Those at the event called it a peaceful day of action.
"They keep selling that all this is about hate, hate, rally, hate, this stuff... Do you see any haters here? No, we're all here to make a point that the government is us," protester John Bush said.
Organizers say there were nearly 7 million protesters who participated in at least 2,000 other protests held in every state, with demonstrations planned in Mexico and Canada.
The demonstration appeared to be mostly peaceful as organizers called it a great success as they are already starting to plan more demonstrations and protests.
So far, CPD has not reported any arrests from Saturday's protest.
Several suburbs around the Chicago area also got in on the action, holding similar rallies in place including Naperville, Elmhurst, Bolingbrook, Joliet, Elgin, Oak Park, Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Forest Park and more.
The demonstrations come as protesters have gathered near the Broadview Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility for weeks, calling for a change in immigration enforcement.
SEE ALSO | Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow National Guard deployment in Chicago area
Cook County Republican Party Chairman Aaron Del Mar issued the following statement in response to the "No Kings" protests:
"People across Cook County are right to be angry - but they're directing their frustration at the wrong people. They should be revolting against Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson - two leaders who have driven Illinois and Chicago into financial catastrophe.
"Pritzker loves to point fingers at others, especially Donald Trump, but the truth is, he's been doing the same things - and in many cases, much worse. Under his leadership, Illinois has seen skyrocketing taxes, reckless spending, and policies that punish hardworking families and businesses trying to stay afloat.
"Meanwhile, Brandon Johnson's administration in Chicago has become a case study in failure - from endless tax hikes and crime out of control, to a city losing residents and jobs faster than it can replace them. Chicago isn't suffering because of protesters - it's suffering because of the broken leadership of Pritzker and Johnson.
"It's time for real accountability and real reform. Illinois deserves leaders who fix problems instead of creating new ones, who put taxpayers first, and who bring honesty, efficiency, and responsibility back to government."
